Injury rules Shoaib out of series

Shoaib was handed a central contract by Pakistan this month

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been ruled out of the Test series at home to Sri Lanka by a knee injury.

Pakistan are due to play two Tests against the Sri Lankans, in Karachi and Lahore next month.

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said: "Akhtar has some floating bones in his knees, which requires keyhole surgery."

The 33-year-old was unimpressive on his return to international cricket this month and was dropped after two limited-overs games against Sri Lanka.

Shoaib took just one wicket for a total of 88 runs in those two matches as Pakistan lost the series 2-1.

606: DEBATE Shoaib Akhtar's less than impressive performances... should prompt his omission from the team strike_bowler101

Alam said Shoaib would need at least two to three weeks rest following surgery.

Shoaib was given a five-year ban - later reduced and then suspended - after he criticised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials for failing to give him a contract in January last year.

He was restricted to just three Twenty20 internationals last year and despite being in the squad to face the West Indies in Abu Dhabi in November he was ruled out through injury.

Shoaib was given a chance to revive his international career when he was given a central contract by the PCB this month.

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