Akhtar named in Pakistan one-day squad

Paceman, Shoaib Akhtar was recalled to the Pakistan squad today for this month's Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.



The 34-year-old Akhtar has struggled with injuries over the past year, and last featured in a one-day international for Pakistan when they played Australia in Abu Dhabi in May 2009.



However, Akhtar was cleared to take his place in Pakistan's 15-man squad, which also included three uncapped players, after proving his fitness to selectors.



Akhtar bowled 12 overs in a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy that lasted almost four hours and was witnessed by Ijaz Butt, the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board.



Former captain, Shoaib Malik, was also included in the squad after passing a fitness test which comprised bowling 15 overs and batting for nearly two hours.



Malik recently had a one-year ban for indiscipline during the tour of Australia lifted by the Pakistan Cricket Board.



The three uncapped players included in the squad are: batsmen Shahzaib Hasan, Umar Amin and Asad Shafiq.



The Asia Cup, which is being hosted by defending champion Sri Lanka, takes place between June 15 and 24. India and Bangladesh are the other participating teams in the four-nation tournament.



Pakistan's squad for two Twenty/Twenty internationals and test series against Australia and England will be named in Sri Lanka on June 20.