Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar, currently in Mumbai for a commercial shoot, has expressed his inability to appear before the medical inquiry committee on Sunday, citing prior commitments, and sought more time.

Shoaib, who is in the eye of a storm following his refusal to take the field on the third day of the series-deciding Test against India at Rawalpindi last week, is among five cricketers who have been asked to appear before a four-member panel, constituted by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The player's brother, Shahid Ahktar, said he had written to the PCB informing them about Shoaib's inability to appear before the panel on Sunday.

"I have informed the Board in writing that Shoaib would not be able to attend Sunday's meeting and they should set another date in mutual understanding with him," Shahid was quoted as saying in local media reports in Islamabad on Thursday.

The other players who have been summoned include Moin Khan, Abdul Razzak, Shabbir Ahmad and Umar Gul.

Shahid's letter said Shoaib has gone out of the country to honour commitments made by him well before the Board decided to hold the inquiry.

The fast bowler is expected to return to Pakistan early next week.

Shahid also expressed anger at the negative publicity being accorded to the fast bowler and rubbished reports accusing the bowler of partying and drinking in Mumbai.

"No Indian media source has reported any such thing about Shoaib. We don't understand why efforts are on to malign him," he said.