Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar,who was cleared to play by his board to play in the IPL after suspending his ban, will not be feature in Thursday's home match for Kolkata Knight Riders against Bangalore Royal Challengers.

Coach John Buchanan disclosed on Wednesday that since Shoaib hasn't played for a while he will not be considered for selection.

"Given that he has not played for a while, he will not be considered for selection for the match on Thursday", Buchanan told a press conference in Kolkata.

"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," the former Australian coach added.

"He is an impact bowler, there's no doubt about it," Buchanan added.