Akhtar not to play in Test series against Sri Lanka

CALCUTTA, FEB. 7. Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will not play in the coming Test series against Sri Lanka as the International Cricket Council (ICC) advisory panel's directive to suspend the bowler for suspect bowling action is still upheld. But his case might be referred for a review if the ICC concludes that the earlier decision contained ``certain procedural shortcomings,'' this was clarified by the International Cricket Council President, Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya, on Monday. The matter would be taken up in the executive board meeting at Singapore between February 8 and 10, he said.

Mr. Dalmiya said that the bowler was ``cleared only for the triangular series in Australia because he would not be allowed to bowl bouncers in limited-over matches.'' The President said that the panel had objected to ``a part of the bowler's action'' and the decision of overruling the suspension for the specific meet also emanated from this logic. He added that the decision was taken in consonance with Sir Clyde Walcott, who led the 11-member cricket committee advisory panel.

Specifying the reasons he said that there were two sides at looking at the decision of the panel. While technical aspects of the panel's decision was ``never disputed'' but the ``procedural inadequacies'' as claimed by the Pakistan Board would be taken up in the executive board meeting. The Pakistan Board had earlier claimed in its petition that not all the members of the panel were consulted on this issue.

- Our Sports Reporter

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