With the rib injury he sustained in the third and final Test against India still troubling him, Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has decided to consult a specialist in London for treatment of the problem.
The 28-year old, in England to play for county side Durham, is under the care of the Durham medical panel and has been advised to consult a specialist.
"I am still feeling stiff and some pain in my side muscles due to the rib cage stress. After playing against Somerset and then against Worcestershire in the one-dayer on Sunday, the pain has increased," a local daily quoted Shoaib as saying from Durham.
"I have also asked my county management to rest me for the four-day match against Glamorgan, starting tomorrow, and for the rest of the season and to play me selectively because of the rib cage problem," he said.
The 'Rawalpindi Express' said he would like to get permanent treatment for the rib injury.
"Pakistan has a lot of important commitments coming up this year and I don't want to risk missing any of them due to a serious injury. I will pace myself for Durham from now onwards," he stressed.
Shoaib's comments come after Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said the Board would be writing to Durham to find out how the fast bowler had played in the match against Somerset, ignoring medical advice to rest for three to four weeks.
Shaharyar has reportedly warned of a disciplinary action against Shoaib, saying he had assured him that he would play for Durham only after regaining complete fitness.
But Shoaib, who has played 32 Tests and 103 One-day Internationals, said he played for Durham only because he felt fit after resting for three weeks.
"But the problem is still there and after the games for Durham, I have felt stiffness and some pain. I have advised them [Durham] to look for a back-up player for the Worcestershire match and also for the season because I want to take proper rest in between the matches," Shoaib said.
"When these counties sign you up they pay a good amount to you and take very good care of you. But they also expect you to play and perform in return, which is why since I was feeling okay I decided to play against Somerset," he added.
