Controversial Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar is set to undergo a knee operation in England next week as he attempts to revive his flagging career.

The 34-year-old's international career has stalled in the past two years due to a combination of fitness and disciplinary problems and was overlooked for the current Champions Trophy because of concerns about his fitness.

Reports in Pakistan have suggested Akhtar had asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to fund his operation, but after they turned down his request the quick has opted to go ahead with the procedure anyway as he looks to battle his way back into the national team.

Akhtar was due to join up with his regional Pakistan side, KRL, for a pre-season training camp this week but according to the club's skipper Mohammad Wasim the quick had not arrived.

"Shoaib was supposed to be present at the ongoing three-day training camp that KRL are holding, but we haven't seen him here or heard from him at all," Wasim told www.pakpassion.net.

"The camp started two days ago and we expected all of our squad to be at the camp. However today I have heard that Shoaib will be going to England for an operation on his knee.

"It's a long-standing injury that he has been carrying for a while and I have no idea how long he will be out for.

"I believe the operation will be carried out in England on October 8. Let's hope it's not too serious and he can start playing soon."

Shoaib has not played for his country since their limited overs series against Australia in United Arab Emirates in May.

He has since been overlooked for the tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy, although newly-appointed PCB chief selector Iqbal Qasim last month denied Shoaib's international career was over.