After a series of setbacks, finally there is some good news for the temperamental Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar. The appointment of Saleem Altaf — the man who discovered Akhtar in 1997-98 — as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director (Cricket Operations) has given hope for the much misunderstood paceman fighting a fitness battle and allegations of indiscipline.Altaf assures that there is neither any witch-hunt against Akhtar nor will the PCB go by the various stories doing the rounds. ‘‘Shoaib’s just been asked to play a match by the PCB chairman to test his fitness and he will be evaluated on the basis of the code mentioned in his contract,’’ assures Altaf.This much-awaited first-class game-cum-fitness test will take place tomorrow. Meanwhile, the three-man inquiry committee — which is looking into the Shoaib’s alleged breach of PCB’s disciplinary code of conduct — has submitted its report to chairman Shaharyar Khan. The findings will now be forwarded to the disciplinary committee being headed by Chief Justice Karamat Bhandari and a final decision on Shoaib’s availability for the Indian tour is expected on Tuesday.Altaf has had a ‘‘longish chat’’ with Akhtar and is pleased by the outcome. This brings one to that all-important question: So what really is wrong with Shoaib? ‘‘You see fast bowlers are a bit temperamental by nature. Sometimes fame and wealth do go to heads of some. They have to be handled carefully and only then can one get the best out of them,’’ explains Altaf. Ask him the way in which he will handle Shoaib and the answer would have been music to the ears of the controversial speedster. ‘‘My experience of human resources management has shown that you need to look at issues on a wider perspective,’’ he says. But in the same breadth he adds, ‘‘this is a professional era and there can be no compromise on discipline. Remember, ICC is strict if one steps over the line.’’Altaf is qualified enough to understand Shoaib considering that he played 21 Tests for Pakistan as a fast bowler in the late 70s. Besides, he has had two tenures as a national selector. A lawyer by profession, Altaf has also been a television commentator.In his new role can the mentor help Shoaib re-discover his old form? Altaf is positive, ‘‘I have no doubt in my mind that Shoaib should be alright. The situation as far as we are concerned is under control.’’
