A Pakistani court said Shoaib Akhtar was free to play cricket again after suspending an 18-month ban imposed by the country's cricket authorities for indiscipline.
A judge at Lahore High Court ruled that the 32-year-old Akhtar should be allowed to play until his appeal against the ban is heard, most likely in September.
Akhtar lodged an appeal with the court on Tuesday against an 18-month ban. Originally, the ban was for five years, but was reduced last month.
"While accepting his application for interim relief [until the appeal is heard], the court has allowed Shoaib Akhtar to play cricket," Judge Zahid Hussain said.
Akhtar welcomed the decision and said he wanted to play in the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan hosts in September this year.
"I am relieved," Akhtar said after the hearing.
"I am keeping fit and I'm going to England and try to play some matches there and get in shape.
Akhtar added he wanted to clear his name.
"I owe my name and fame to Pakistan, so I will never defame my country. I want to win the Champions Trophy for my country and I need everyone's support.
"I am thankful to PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf for his support in the last two months," he added.
The ban followed Akhtar's public criticism of the PCB after he was dropped from a list of players awarded central contracts in January.
The PCB confirmed the decision. "Akhtar's appeal to stay the ban was upheld, which means he is temporarily allowed to play until the petition is heard, but he will have to pay the fine," the PCB lawyer said.