Karachi, Aug 24: Pakistan have put on hold a decision to release fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar to play for Durham after the second Test against Bangladesh which starts on Wednesday. Chief selector Aamer Sohail said on Sunday that the hairline fracture injury to Mohammad Sami had forced them to delay Akhtar's release back to the English county.

''We have not decided anything as yet but Sami is being sent to Lahore for specialised treatment and we will know in a week's time what the position is regarding his availability,'' Sohail told news agency. Sami was ruled out of the tests and is also doubtful for the one-day series against Bangladesh after a scan revealed a stress hairline fracture in his ankle which he had injured while playing for Kent last month.

Pakistan called up Akhtar from Durham after the initial injury to Sami.

But Durham released him on the condition that he would be back for them after the first two Tests against Bangladesh. ''The Pakistan academy team will also return from South Africa next week and we will have more options before US.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive Rameez Raja said that if the selectors wanted Akhtar for the third and final Test than the board would first have to speak to Durham.

''So far the selectors have not discussed this issue with us. But if there is a change of plans than first we have to inform Durham and let them know our problem,'' he said.

Shoaib signed for Durham in June, initially to play for them for the rest of the season. Bureau Report