Lahore, Apr. 7 : The Pakistan Cricket Board's decision (PCB) to include controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in the national squad for the forthcoming One -Day International series against Australia has not gone down well within former officials.

Former PCB chief Khalid Mehmood blasted the apex body for persisting with Akhtar when youngsters needed to be given more opportunity to prove their mettle.

"It is quite apparent that Akhtar is no more capable of playing for Pakistan, but still the PCB is persisting with him instead of bringing in younger bowlers," The Nation quoted Mehmood, as saying.

Mehmood also accused the PCB of failing to take the game forward in country.

"It seems that the Board lacks the will and determination to take our cricket forward. There is confusion and lack of confidence within the PCB set-up," he added.

Akhtar, 33 was included in the national side following a series of extensive fitness tests in which he was declared hundred percent fit for the April 22 to May 7 UAE series.

Mehmood also criticized the PCB for providing inadequate security cover to the Sri Lankan cricket team, and held it responsible for the terror attack on islanders.

"The Sri Lankan cricketers were given an improper security cover and for that the PCB, being the host board, is also responsible," Mehmood added. (ANI)