Kolkata: Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar, who had his maiden practice session with the Kolkata Knight Riders today, will not play Thursday's match against Bangalore Royal Challengers, coach John Buchanan said today.

"Given that he has not played for a while, he will not be considered for selection for the match on Thursday", Buchanan told newspersons here.

However, welcoming Shoaib, Buchanan said his experience would help young fast bowlers like Ishant Sharma.

"His experience will be very handy in the dressing room in training young fast bowlers like Ishant Sharma, and it will be an advantage for us," he said.

Praising Shoaib, the Aussie coach said "he is an impact bowler, there's no doubt about it."

Source : PTI