Shoaib to play domestic Twenty20

Shoaib was withdrawn from Pakistan's squad for the World Twenty20

Shoaib Akhtar will lead the Islamabad Leopards in the domestic Twenty20 Cup despite a skin infection that ruled him out of Pakistan's World Twenty20 squad.

The fast bowler, 33, had been due to join the 15-man Pakistan squad for a training camp but was advised to rest.

However, Islamabad president Shakil Shaikh told the Associated Press Shoaib will play for the Leopards on Monday.

"He has told us that he is fit so we have no reason to drop him, we have not received any medical report," he said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) replaced Shoaib with fast bowler Rao Iftikhar Anjum on Wednesday after a three-member medical board advised treatment for another 10 days on Shoaib's ailment.

But Shaikh is adamant it is Shoaib's decision to feature in the domestic competition.

"It's the basic fundamental right of the player that if he says he is fit you can't stop him from playing," Shaikh said.

Pakistan's domestic Twenty20 Cup competition begins at Lahore from Monday, 25 May with Islamabad Leopards taking on Peshawar Panthers - led by Pakistan captain Younus Khan.