Akhtar, PCB in yet another showdown

Lahore: Temperamental fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has run into another controversy after he underwent liposuction surgery without informing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to media reports here, Akhtar had undergone the operation to remove extra fat from his body a few weeks ago while he was in London for a knee surgery.

The move has angered PCB oficials who have asserted that Akhtar should have informed them before undergoing liposuction since he is a centrally contracted player.

''He is a centrally contracted player and he is supposed to consult our medical panel and inform us before undergoing any medical treatment but he didn't do this before opting for the liposuction,'' a PCB official was quoted as saying by 'The News'.

But sources close to the pacer defended his decision and pointed out that since the PCB had refused to pay for his medical expenses, he had decided to have the liposuction on his own expenses without informing the board's medical panel.

The sources further informed that Akhtar will be out if action for several months after the operation which means that the 34-year-old right-armer will miss the tour to Australia next month.

''After the liposuction to remove fat from his body and trimmed down his weight, Shoaib will require atleast three to four months to make a complete recovery and be available to play competitive cricket once again,'' Dr Waqar Ahmed, a well-known sports medicine specialist, said.

''Since Shoaib is a professional sportsman he definitely needs proper rest or he could damage his career badly if he tries to make a premature comeback from these surgeries,'' he added.