KARACHI:
Shoaib Akhtar, who retired from international cricket after the 2011 World Cup, has cited personal reasons for withdrawing from next month's Sri Lankan Twenty20 league.
"I have personal commitments," said Akhtar. "I'm setting up my business so I have withdrawn from the Sri Lankan Premier league."
Meanwhile, Akhtar said that while he was willing to help younger players, he did not have the heart to play the game anymore. "I played the game for 14 years so now I don't want to play.
"But if any youngster needs my help and guidance only then will I step onto the field."
Akhtar took 178 wickets in 46 Tests and also claimed 247 in 163 One-Day Internationals and played his last international game in the World Cup. But his career was beset with fitness and discipline problems which badly hit his reputation and figures.
Apart from Akhtar, stars including Pakistan's Shahid Afridi, West Indians Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard, South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs, New Zealand's Daniel Vettori and Ireland's Kevin O'Brien had agreed to play in the league.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2011.
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