Shoaib must prove fitness ahead of T20 World Cup: Alam

Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam said since Shoaib Akhtar missed the conditioning camp he will have to play in a series of practice T20 matches and national T20 Championship to prove his fitness ahead of next month's World Cup in England.

Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam said since Shoaib Akhtar missed the conditioning camp he will have to play in a series of practice T20 matches and national T20 Championship to prove his fitness ahead of next month's World Cup in England.

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Intikhab Alam told reporters that as Akhtar's fitness was still being assessed, it was mandatory for him to play in the three practice games and the subsequent national championship.

"If he does not play in these matches then he is in trouble for the T20 World Cup," Alam said.

Akhtar missed the week-long conditioning camp in Bhurban due to a skin infection near the groin area.

He is already under the scanner for having consulted private doctors for a knee injury and skin infection without the clearance of the PCB medical panel despite being a centrally contracted player with the PCB.

Intikhab said while other players had benefited from the conditioning camp and targets had been met but the absence of Akhtar was a disappointment.

"The conditioning camp would have been very good for him. But anyway he now has to play in the coming matches so that we are sure about his fitness levels," he said.

Shoaib has been named in one of the teams for the three practice games from May 20 to 23 and also as captain of the Islamabad team for the national T20 championship.