Shape up or risk career, Younis tells Shoaib Akhtar

Pakistan skipper Younis Khan has advised controversial teammate Shoaib Akhtar to concentrate on his fitness if the pacer is to maintain his place in the national squad.

A source said that Khan had a frank discussion with the fast bowler during which he made it clear to Akhtar that his future in the Pakistan team depends on his behaviour and fitness.

"Younis made it clear to Shoaib that if he wanted to remain part of the Pakistan team he would have to be 100 per cent fit and committed," a source said.

"Younis made it crystal clear that if he played he should even be prepared to send down 10 overs on the trot if this is what the match situation demanded or team required," the source added.

Shoaib (33) has often dropped out of matches midway through a series or at the eleventh hour before a series.

The source also revealed that it was Younis who had decided to rest Shoaib for the third one-dayer.

"Shoaib has been told he cannot continue to play for the team on his own terms now," the source said.

The source also said that Akhtar was asked to return home from Dubai leaving the ongoing ODI series against Australia after he complained of illness before the first two ODIs.