Lahore, Apr. 1 : Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's troubled past on and off the cricket field has come to haunt him, for now a reputed surgeon has refused to operate upon him because of it.

According to The Daily Times, a famous knee specialist has refused to treat Akhtar, saying it might affect his career adversely.

"I am regarded among the best surgeons in the country and cannot put my reputation at stake by treating you because your international career is filled with controversies," the doctor reportedly told Akhtar.

Akhtar was asked by the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) medical experts to undergo a knee surgery to take out the floating bones in his knee.

Akhtar, however, later claimed that he has recovered from his injury without any operation, and is fully fit to join national duty. (ANI)