Karachi, Nov 22 : Temperamental Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who is looking for a successful Test return, has received a shot in the arm in the form new chief selector Abdul Qadir.

Given Shoaib’s past track record — his habit of flirting with controversy and a knack for picking up injuries — Qadir still says Shoaib is a big asset for Pakistan cricket.

“Shoaib Akhtar is an asset. He is a wicket-taking bowler, who still has a lot to offer to Pakistan cricket,” The News quoted Qadir, as saying.

Lahore, Nov 22: The father-in-law of banned Pakistani opener Imran Farhat, Muhammad Ilyas, has been appointed by the PCB as chairman of the national junior selection committee.

Illyas, a former opener, has played 10 official and unofficial Tests, with a combined average of 43.2 for Pakistan.

Farhat is currently playing with his brother Humayun in the ICL.

Brisbane, Nov. 22 : A struggling Australian opener Mathew Hayden appears to be seriously considering possible retirement from international cricket after his 100th Test.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Hayden has spent considerable time mulling his options over the past year, and while he insists the fire within still burns, he seems to know that at 37, his playing days are close being over.

London, Nov. 22 : Defender William Gallas has been told he can leave Arsenal after a furious bust-up with boss Arsene Wenger. Gallas was also removed as team captain and ordered to stay at home for today’s game at Manchester City.

Sun Sport understands Gallas was “shocked and devastated” and is now considering his future.

A close family member revealed: “Arsene told him ‘If you don’t want to be in my team, then just go. You are free to leave’. William was shocked at the outburst and went straight home.

Melbourne, Nov. 22 : Is it time for Australian opener Mathew Hayden to get sentimental about his time in the game and quit? The Telegraph certainly thinks so.

In article that has appeared in the paper, it says that though Hayden is known to come back from the brink, this time round, he needs to perhaps have a chat with his little mate (the Baggy Green) and determine the timing of his retirement.