Shoaib targets Pakistan return with Surrey stint

The postponement deprived Akhtar of the chance to stage a comeback after he was handed a five-year ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over a series of discipline violations.

The ban followed his public criticism of the PCB after he was axed from a list of 15 contracted players in January.

In July, an appeal committee reduced the ban to 18 months but imposed a fine of seven million rupees (93,000 dollars). A Lahore High court hearing suspended the ban but upheld the fine, paving the way for his selection in the Trophy squad last month.Akhtar promised he had put his troubles behind him.

"The past eight months were disappointing, but now I am focused on my return. I want to bowl at least 15-20 overs in an innings and gain rhythm because we are hosting India late in the year."

Pakistan host India for three Tests and five one-day internationals from December 2008 to February 2009.

Akhtar has played 46 Tests and 138 one-day internationals for Pakistan since making his debut in 1997, but has not played any international cricket this year.

The PCB said it had issued a no objections certificate, allowing Akhtar to play for Surrey.