The Pakistan fast bowler, who has been handed a one-month suspension against his ban so that he can feature in the IPL, is set to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders, though he and the management are aware that he has to prove his fitness after the distraction of tribunals and legal battles.

"I'm really happy to be here and the Eden Gardens is my favourite ground," Shoaib said after arriving in the city.

"It's the ground which made my career when I got Sachin Tendulkar out on the first ball. It's been good to me and I love the ground. The crowd is fantastic here.

"As I've been under so much stress, I haven't been able to train as much as I should have done. But I am fit. There's no pain, no niggle.

"I'll try to get match fit as fast as possible. Shah Rukh Khan has supported me a lot. He's been there like a big brother. Has always been so."

Kolkata have a practice match on Wednesday and their next IPL game is against Bangalore on Thursday. It might be too early for Shoaib's comeback just yet as Australian coach John Buchanan will be scrutinising his fitness level.