Akhtar Leaves For Home After Surgery

Karachi: Controversial Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has left for home on Sunday after undergoing a successful knee surgery in London.

Akhtar, who went under knife for an injury on left knee last month, decided to fly for home as he was very keen to represent his departmental side KRL in remaining matches of the premier domestic tournament Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, a source said.

The surgery was supervised by Dr Andrew Williams, who also treated England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, at the Wellington hospital in London.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board has refused to foot his medical expenses and operation contending although Akhtar was a centrally contracted player, he had not sustained the injury while on national duty.

"Shoaib's rehabilitation process from the operation has gone extremely well and he is recovering fast," the source said.

"Shoaib has been told by the doctors that if he takes care of himself he can play for at least another two to three years without any problem from the knee and bowl at his full pace. This has made him very optimistic about his future," the source added.

Akhtar, who has struggled with fitness and disciplinary issues, was eyeing a return to the national squad for the tour of Australia later this year.

"Australia is one place he loves to play and it is one cricket playing nation where he wants to leave a lasting impression with his performance," the source said.

After a rehabilitation process in Lahore, the pacer would start bowling in nets and then try to play for KRL in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The national selectors have already said that to make a comeback to the Pakistan squad, Akhtar has to prove his fitness by performing in the domestic circuit.