Shoaib Akhtar’s international career almost over: Wasim Akram

By pratik
for Cricketain.com

Published: July 28, 2009

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Former Pakistan fast bowler and legend Wasim Akram thinks that Shoaib Akhtar’s international career is virtually over. Akram said that all the indications are there with Shoaib not being picked for Pakistan probables’ list for Champions Trophy to be played in South Africa in September.

“I don’t think he has got a chance, unless and until some miracles happen,” Akram said. “Even though it depends on the captain and selectors, I think Shoaib has fallen out with the selectors and the board itself. The board still supported him and he went to Abu Dhabi and played two of the five games [against Australia] before getting injured again. We all saw that.”

Akram also said that the entry of young and promising fast bowlers like Mohammed Aamer has made Shoaib’s comeback difficult.

“I think Pakistan’s bowling unit is doing well and they have to look ahead and think about the future,” he said. “They have to back the youngsters who will do the job for them, even if you look at the 2011 World Cup. Also in this year’s Champions Trophy and the next Twenty20 World Cup, the team would have to rely on the youngsters. I don’t know where you can place Shoaib Akhtar in the current picture of Pakistan cricket.”

Akram also predicted a tough road ahead for the Mohammad Asif. The 26-year-old fast bowler has been named in the probables for the Champions Trophy coming back after two and a half years. Asif was banned from International cricket following a failed dope test and involvement in a detention case in Dubai.

“My advice to Asif would be – learn from your mistakes. I sincerely hope he learns from the 300 mistakes that he has made in the last two years,” said Akram. “He’s young, talented and one of the best Pakistani bowlers but it will take him some time to return because Aamer is now bowling really well.”

He pointed out that international returns were not easy and cited the cases of Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir. “Even Sohail Tanvir was struggling in Twenty20,” Akram said. “Umar Gul is phenomenal but I don’t think he bowled well enough in the Test matches [in Sri Lanka]. My advice to Gul is: Twenty20 and ODI are fine but if you are to be recognised as a good bowler you have to do well in Test cricket too.”

Tagged with: 2011 World Cup, Australia, Champions Trophy, Mohammad Asif, Mohammed Aamer, Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir, South Africa, Twenty20, Twenty20 World Cup, Umar Gul, Wasim Akram

Shoaib Akhtar’s international career almost over: Wasim Akram

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