Shoaib has taken 165 Test wickets

Shoaib, 30, has played just three Tests since January 2005 because of fitness problems and has been advised to rest an ankle stress fracture for six weeks.

"His attitude has improved a lot and he is committed to getting fit," said PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan.

"There is no question of him not getting a central contract."

We want Zimbabwe to make a full tour in 2008 when their Test status should also be restored PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan

The PCB will issue new annual contracts to about 20 players before they leave for five one-day internationals and four Tests in England later this month.

Meanwhile, the PCB has suggested to the Zimbabwe Cricket Union it cancel's its scheduled tour to Pakistan this year and arrange new dates for January 2008.

"We have told them in writing we can't afford to have just three one-dayers against them as it is not financially viable for us or our television broadcasters," said Shaharyar.

"We want them to make a full tour in 2008 when their Test status should also be restored."

Zimbabwe's Test status was suspended until February 2007 after a dispute between the team's players and its administrators.