Inzi denies Akhtar clash

Pakistani captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has denied reports by the Pakistan media that he had been infuriated by Shoaib Akhtar and had fought to keep the recently acquitted fast bowler out of the squad touring South Africa.

Inzamam stressed there had been no falling out between the pair, reported The Hindu

“I do not want to comment on this, but all that is being reported is not correct. The selectors feel he needs more time to regain match fitness and we are hoping he will join us for the one-day series in South Africa,” he said.

“The selectors have picked a balanced squad particularly in the pace department. Shoaib has not played cricket for the last three months, but I have no doubt that if he proves himself match fit after playing domestic cricket, he will get a chance to come back.”

Earlier reports were coming out of some sections of the Pakistani media that Inzamam had pushed for Akhtar to be excluded from the side and that in turn, Akhtar was furious at the alleged role his captain had in him being overlooked.

Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were recently cleared of doping offenses after a previous ruling that saw them banned for two and one years respectively was overturned.