The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has for the first time shown some leniency towards players contracted with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) by allowing former Test pacer Shabbir Ahmed to practice at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Shabbir was among the original list of 16 players who signed up with the ICL in 2007 and since then the board has placed a complete ban on these players to take part in any cricket activity in Pakistan.

Shabbir showed up at the academy on Thursday and had a long bowling session at the nets. "I am preparing for the start of the new ICL season this year and so far no one has told me not to practice here," he said.

"There was never any ban on Shabbir Ahmed to practice ... he is only banned from representing Pakistan in Tests and ODIs and from first class cricket," a senior board official explained.

"He is a Pakistani and we have no objection in his practicing at NCA," Shafqat Naghmi the chief operating officer said.

But he made it clear that this should not be seen as the board deciding to reconsider its stance on ICL players.

"Any player who has represented Pakistan can practice here but that does not mean we are thinking about changing our policy on the ICL. It remains the same when the ICC recognises it we will also adopt a softer line," he stated.

Shabbir, whose bowling action has always under the scanner, hoped the board would allow them to play the domestic season starting October.

"Right now I am here to train and get tips from Aaqib Javed and Geoff Lawson who are at the academy," he stated.