Shoaib released for Bangladesh tests

By Jon Steer
August 6 2003

Durham have agreed to Pakistans request to release Shoaib Akhtar for the test series against Bangladesh. Shoaib will miss a total of four matches.

Durham confirmed today that they have agreed to Pakistan's request to release Shoaib from his contract to allow him to take his place in the 20 man squad for the test series with Bangladesh.

In return for Durham's agreement, Pakistan have said that Shoaib will be able to return immediately after the second test match instead of having to play the whole series. This means that Shoaib will only miss one championship game, the match against Hampshire.

Shoaib will play against Glamorgan next week and should return in time for the match against Northamptionshire at the beginning of September.

Shoaib will miss three National League games but with promotion hopes gone, this is not much of a a set back and will give Durham a chance to try other bowlers in preparation for next season.

The championship match against Hampshire is perhaps the 'best' match for Shoaib to miss as Hampshire are the lowest place team that we will play in the remainder of the season.

Shoaib said last week how much he enjoys playing for Durham and working with the young bowlers we have, being able to help us to promotion has been one of his goals for the season.