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Shoaib, Pak's 'whipping boy': Imran
Imran also said that Shoaib's absence from the India tour could have a big impact on the team.
Taking a potshot at the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) shennanigans, former Pakistan cricket captain said that injured fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has also been targetted as the "whipping boy" whenever the Pakistan team has underperformed.
"Pacers can win matches for Pakistan. Shoaib performed exceptionally in the first Test against Australia at Perth and also bowled with real zeal in the first innings of the second Test before losing his zip and fitness. Thereafter, he was a convenient whipping-boy for Pakistan's poor displays on tour," the Daily Times quoted Imran as saying.
Accepting that Shoaib is slightly difficult customer to handle, and that the PCB likes to pass the buck, Imran further went on to say that his absence from the India tour could have impact on the team's performance in terms of results.
"Shoaib Akhtar's absence will make a serious difference. Whenever Shoaib has played for Pakistan he has featured in Pakistan's wins and obviously spinners are not going to be weapons for Pakistan against India.
The tour would not be as testing as of Australia because the wickets in India will suit Pakistani batsmen, but in Shoaib's absence Pakistan will find it hard to take 20 Indian wickets in a Test," Imran said.
He also criticised the $500 fine slapped on Shoaib by the PCB disciplinary committee, saying that it was taken too late.
"Disciplinary action is taken on the tour by the team management and not after a tour. Nowhere I have seen this and when you take action after a tour. It is tantamount to self defeat and means that you are trying to find a scapegoat for the defeat," Imran maintained.
