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Shoaib, PCB contradict each other
The Pakistani speedster and the PCB have contradictory versions over his fitness and availability for the ongoing India-Pakistan series.
Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have contradictory versions over his fitness and availability for the ongoing India-Pakistan series.
"I am trying hard to get fit but the problem (hamstring injury) still exists and, according to doctors, it will require another three weeks before I start bowling at the nets again," Shoaib was on Thursday quoted by The News as saying.
"I do not think I would be able to play even the one-day series, what to talk about the rest of Test matches," the speedster said.
The 29-year-old Rawalpindi-born bowler tore his hamstring during Pakistan's tour of Australia and returned home mid-way from the series.
There was a public outcry when he ruled himself out of the tour to India, with former players saying his absence would tell on the team's performance.
He then went on to say that he was recovering fast and hoped to join the squad for the third Test at Bangalore after proving his fitness to PCB.
"This is only a rumour. I do not think I would be able to play even in one-dayers and participating in the last Test is totally out of question," said Shoaib.
The News also wrote that PCB chief Shaharyar Khan had said that "Shoaib is getting better day by day and hopefully he would recover soon to join the team in India".
The Pakistan team's manager Salim Altaf also conferred with his boss, telling reporters at Mohali that Shoaib's progress was very encouraging.
"I am keeping a regular tab on Shoaib's progress in Lahore. The report is that his hamstring strain has healed up and now the only thing remaining is that he passes a proper fitness test before he can be cleared to join the team," Altaf was quoted by The News as saying.
