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Pakistan will be pressing the International Cricket Council (ICC) to enforce Stage Three on paceman Shoaib Akhtar and clear him once and for all.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will be making the demand at the executive council meeting of the ICC scheduled at Cape Town, South Africa, between March 14 and 16.

"Pakistan wants that Shoaib Akhtar should be free of all worries so that he can concentrate on cricket alone. And the best way is to have Stage Three enforced on him and get him cleared by ICC bowling advisors," PCB chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said Friday.

In normal course, Stage Three will be enforced if Shoaib is reported again for a suspect bowling action. If that happens, Shoaib will face a one-year suspension if the ICC bowling advisors caste doubts over his action.

"Shoaib has not been reported since October last year. But I don't want to put his career in jeopardy and Pakistan's chances in the World Cup if he reported again later in the year.

"I think the best time to get this thing over is now. I know that the bowler has a lot of pressure on him. It is in the back of his mind that he might be reported again that has prevented him from giving his best," the General said.

© Dawn