Shoaib back in Pak squad

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BHURBAN, Jun 16 (AFP): Paceman Shoaib Akhtar regained full fitness to claim a place in Pakistan's 15-man squad for the upcoming tour of Scotland, selectors announced here Saturday.
The 32-year-old missed the World Cup in the Caribbean due to a knee injury and was also left out of the squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi last month.
However, Akhtar bowled strongly at the team's tune-up camp for the tour of Scotland, where Pakistan play one-off limited over internationals against India on July 1 and against the hosts two days later.
The injury-prone fast bowler played briefly for Pakistan in their Test series against South Africa in January before breaking down once more. His last one-day international was against England in September.
Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said Akhtar's fitness is a good omen for Pakistan. "A fit Akhtar is an asset for Pakistan and we have watched him bowl so he was included," said Ahmed.
In October Akhtar was banned for two years and fellow paceman Mohammad Asif for one year after testing positive for the steroid nandrolone, but the bans were later overturned on the grounds that they took the substance unknowingly.
Both missed the World Cup as Akhtar was battling a knee and hamstring injury, while Asif had an elbow injury.
Akhtar said he was delighted to be back in the squad.
"I am happy and look forward to playing for Pakistan once more. I have been bowling with full throttle and intensity and hope to do well," said Akhtar, who has 169 Test and 208 one- day wickets.
Former vice-captain and leading batsman Younis Khan also returned to the team after missing the Sri Lanka series due to his commitment with English county Yorkshire.
Pakistan had a troubled World Cup where they were dumped out in the first round following defeats against the West Indies and minnows Ireland.
They also lost their coach Bob Woolmer who died in the team hotel after Pakistan's exit. Police launched a murder inquiry, but now say he died of natural causes.
Their captain Inzamam-ul-Haq later announced his retirement from one-day cricket while his potential replacement Younis refused to lead the side citing personal reasons.
It forced the authorities to chose young Shoaib Malik as the new captain.
Pakistan is still searching of a new coach and hope to shortlist contenders Sunday before taking a final decision later this month.
A vice captain for the Scotland tour will also be named Sunday, after Asif's appointment as Malik's deputy for the Sri Lanka series raised eyebrows due to his involvement in the doping scandal.