Akhtar heading for final show down

Life does not get any easier for Shoaib Akhtar, the eccentric character who had a decent claim to be the fastest bowler on the planet but has rather become a laughing stock thanks to drug bans (overturned), allegations of chucking (overturned) and genital warts (cleared up with a dose of ointment).
He has not played for his country since last May because of several injuries, including knee surgery in October, and received a kick in the pocket yesterday from his former employers.
It was bad enough for Shoaib that the Pakistan Cricket Board should have made his groinal problems public on the eve of the World Twenty20 last summer, but now he has had most of his pay from last year confiscated. The PCB wanted to fine him seven million rupees (about £50,000) for criticising the selectors. Shoaib went to a tribunal, but was told that the fine would be upheld.
On Monday, Shoaib finally received his dues from the PCB for matches in 2009. With the seven million rupees deducted, he was left with a cheque for just 44,971 rupees - or £339 and 52p at today’s exchange rate. At the age of 34, perhaps he should start looking for another career.