Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akh-tar has said that though the Indian Cricket Leag-ue offer is still open for him, he will prefer to play for his country.

“The offer is still there but playing for Pakistan remains my top priority,” Akhtar told reporters on Tuesday in Lahore after his first meeting with new coach Geoff Lawson.

Akhtar said representing Pakistan in the forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup and in the home series against South Africa and Australia were on top of his agenda.

“Money is not always the main thing in your life. Right now I am keen to do well for my country and figure in some good performances. I want to see our team doing well in the World Cup,” he said.

An appeals committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday suspended a Rs 300,000 fine and a penalty imposed on Akhtar for leaving the training camp in Karachi without informing the team manager Talat Ali.

“I am satisfied with the way the appeals committee handled the case and with its decision. I had informed the captain before leaving the camp,” the bowler said.

“I am happy with the decision to suspend my punishment because I never got a proper chance to present my point of view before the penalties were put on me,” he added.

Akhtar said he had made no threats that he would decide on the ICL offer after seeing how his appeal went in the disciplinary hearing.

“It was not a threat. It was something I felt strongly about. I thought I should have been given a chance to clarify myself before the penalty was imposed on me.

Akhtar said he would not like to comment on the decision of some players who joined the ICL.