Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Thursday said he would not participate in the inaugural Sri Lankan Premier League since he wants to concentrate on his business. “The issue is I have started a business and it needs lot of time from me. So I wouldn’t be able to make it to Sri Lanka,” said Akhtar, who retired during the World Cup.
The fast bowler, who is from Rawalpindi but based in Lahore, also said that for the time being he has lost his appetite for the game because of his business interests. The Sri Lankan Premier League (SPL), on the lines of the Indian Premier League, has attracted players from many countries including Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq.
The first edition of the league, hosted by Sri Lanka’s cricket Board, will be played from July 19 to August 4. Akhtar has told his supporters that he was keen to get one final farewell match from Pakistan and his home association had also said it would support him. But with no international team touring Pakistan, the PCB has also not responded positively to Akhtar’s desire for a farewell match.
Akhtar retired at the age of 35 during the World Cup, which also turned out to be a controversial tournament for him as he was fined and charged with quarreling with teammate Kamran Akmal over a dropped catch during the match against New Zealand.
Akhtar has no time for SL league
