ISLAMABAD - Dogged by allegations of match-fixing, Pakistan's star cricketer, Wasim Akram, won't be playing for Pakistan in the next three big tours, officials said Friday. Akram, who last week announced he would step down as Pakistan's captain amid allegations of match-fixing and bribery, was dropped from the Pakistan lineup against South Africa, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The schedule begins Jan. 29 in South Africa, followed by Zimbabwe on March 14 and back to South Africa for the triangular series beginning April 3 against South Africa and Sri Lanka. Akram was not immediately available for comment.

However the Pakistan cricket board chief executive Majid Khan said Akram was dropped 'on medical grounds. He dismissed speculation that the star all-rounder was dropped because of the controversy surrounding him. His (Akram's) involvement in betting and match-fixing is all media speculation, said Khan. The board is not taking the stories seriously. Retired cricket captain, turned politician, Imran Khan has criticized the board's decision to exclude Akram from play saying, I can't understand that a player of Akram's ability has been dropped from such an important tour.

Khan said Pakistan will miss Akram especially on the South African tour where the wickets would be bouncy and best suited to fast bowlers. (AP)