Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar [ Images ] will skip the dope test to be conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board for the World Cup-bound team on Friday.

Shoaib would return on Friday itself but would be available for the dope test only the next day, according to a PCB official.

"Shoaib Akhtar, currently in England [ Images ], is expected to reach Lahore [ Images ] on Friday and would be definitely available for the dope test the next day," PCB official said.

"Pakistan's World Cup squad members based in Lahore will be dope-tested on Friday and Karachi players on Saturday," he was quoted as saying by Pakistan daily The News.