After conceding to Shoaib Akhtar's request to consider him for the Asia Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said the fast bowler would have to undergo "stringent" fitness tests before he is picked for the one-day tournament in Sri Lanka in July. 

PCB chief Shaharyar Khan, who has taken a strict stand against Shoaib ever since the 'Rawalpindi Express' declined to bowl on the third day of the final Test against India in April, said Shoaib recently spoke to him from England where he was playing for English county Durham and expressed his desire to play in the Asia Cup.

"But my advice to him was very clear. We announced our decision of not considering him for the Asia Cup on his own request. And a latest correspondence from Durham Chief Executive David Harker confirms his fitness position has not changed much.

"So if he wants to be considered for national selection, he would have to undergo a stringent medical fitness test before being cleared for selection," Khan said.        

His remarks follow reports that Pakistan selectors have included Shoaib's name in the list of 24 Asia Cup probables.

Shaharyar said he was surprised at the fast bowler's change in mind because the Board had only acted on the advice of the Durham medical panel and on his own request when they did not include him among the probables.

"We got a letter from David Harker clearly stating that Shoaib, because of his fitness position, should not be expected to play in the Asia Cup," Shaharyar said.

"Now if he has changed his mind we really don't see the reasons for it. But as far as Durham is concerned nothing much has changed with his fitness position and it has been confirmed he has a rib cage injury."

Durham's letter to the PCB states: "Shoaib has indicated that he will not be expected to play in the Asia Cup in order that he will be fully fit for the ICC Championship Trophy."  

The PCB wrote another letter to Durham after Shoaib indicated he was ready to play the Asia Cup to which Harker replied that the fitness position of Shoaib has not changed dramatically, Shaharyar said.

"So what are we supposed to do in this position? But I have told him if he wants to make himself available for the Asia Cup he should come down to Pakistan and undergo a stringent medical fitness test so that we are assured he has made a complete recovery from his injury," he said.