Akhtar chooses business over cricket

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar said he will not participate in the Sri Lankan Premier League, since he wants to concentrate on his business.

"The issue is that I have started a business and it needs a lot of time from me. So I wouldn't be able to make it to Sri Lanka," Akhtar, who retired during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, said.

The fast bowler from Rawalpindi 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 Pakistan's 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 is 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 to play a farewell match.

Akhtar retired at the age of 35 during the 2011 ICC CWC, 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.