Kissa Shoaibs ka

He's not played international cricket since the Australia one-day series in May 2009. The pace bowler from Rawalpindi did not impress in Wednesday's fitness test held at Pakistan Cricket Board's cricket academy at Lahore either.


Akhtar was made to bowl three spells of four overs each. In the first spell he worked out a good rhythm. But, in the second and third spells, gradually he lost speed and towards the end he was seen limping. Insiders say, it was political pressure that forced the PCB to include Akhtar, who will be celebrating his 35th birthday on August 13, in the team.

Defending Akhtar's selection, PCB chairman Ejaz Butt said: "He was selected after he was passed fit by the medical panel, selection committee and the team management. There was no outside pressure."

Skipper Afridi said keeping in mind the fast bowler's fitness level, he had a specific role in mind for Akhtar. "We would be using him only for the Twenty20 and one-day games. In the Asia Cup, we will only play him against the big two ufffd India and Sri Lanka. He will be rested against Bangladesh," said Afridi.

On the other hand, Shoaib Malik, in spite of being busy with his marriage celebrations with India tennis star Sania Mirza, showed an impressive fitness level. He effortlessly bowled 15 overs and batted for nearly two hours in the nets.

Anyway, there was never any issues about Malik's fitness. The PCB had an issue with him about his attitude. Afridi said, he expected full co-operation from Malik.

"I have supported his selection. Now, I hope to get his full support and co-operation both inside and outside the ground," said the Pakistan skipper.

"It is the second most happiest moment in my life after I got married to Sania," said Malik.

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