Shoaib Champions Trophy hopes recede

Shoaib Akhtar's chances of being named in Pakistan's preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy have receded after his lawyer said he would not pay a fine in time to be considered for selection.

The Pakistan Cricket Board postponed the announcement of its preliminary squad until Tuesday and sent a notice to paceman Shoaib asking him to pay the seven million rupees (approximately £130,000) fine imposed on him by an appeals tribunal in June.

A PCB spokesman said: "Shoaib's name would only be considered for selection if he clears the fine first."

However, the player's lawyer, Abid Hasan Minto, said: "Shoaib will pay the fine as soon as the High Court decides the matter [in September].

"If they think the fine payment is a norm for inclusion in the squad, it is up to them. If they want to deny the national team his presence and keep someone like him away from the team... then it is their decision," he added.

Pakistan host the Champions Trophy in September.

Shoaib was banned for five years by the board in March for various acts of indiscipline.

He appealed against the ban to an appeals tribunal which reduced it to 18 months but imposed the fine on him.

The fast bowler then filed a petition to the Lahore High Court against the ban and fine last month.

The court suspended the ban but refused to clear the fine until the case is taken up for regular hearing in September.

Minto said a reply will be sent to the board on Monday regarding the fine.