KARACHI: Shoaib Akhtar does not have too many supporters left in Pakistan cricket but former captain and legendary all-rounder Imran Khan
believes the temperamental speedster deserves one final chance in the national team.
"I know he has had several disciplinary problems in recent times and he has also struggled for full fitness. But I still believe there is a place for him in the national team even now," Imran said.
Incidentally, another bowling great and former skipper Wasim Akram recently said that Shoaib's career was virtually over unless some miracles happened.
Shoaib has been ignored for the One-day series in Sri Lanka and also for the Champions trophy and the enigmatic pacer has also been served a showcause notice by the Pakistan Cricket Board for giving a spicy interview on television.
Imran said that if Shoaib worked sincerely and hard on improving his fitness and focused totally on cricket, he was worth a place in the team.
"A fit Shoaib can be important to the team because the bowling still needs to be boosted a bit I think, specially after watching the performances in recent matches," Imran said.
He advised Shoaib to earn his place back in the team with 100 percent fitness.
"Even Shoaib has to realise that he is a senior player and he must not be a burden on the team when selected," he added.
Shoaib has responded to the board showcause notice but it is not clear whether he has challenged the charges or accepted his mistake and apologised.
A senior board official said that the lawyers of the board would look into Shoaib's reply.
Meanwhile, chief selector Iqbal Qasim said Shoaib would definitely be considered for a comeback if he proved his fitness.
"There is lot of cricket coming up we are playing New Zealand and Australia and if Shoaib can prove his match fitness we will definitely consider him. I don't think not being picked for the Champions Trophy is the end of the world for him," Qasim said.
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"I know he has had several disciplinary problems in recent times and he has also struggled for full fitness. But I still believe there is a place for him in the national team even now," Imran said.
Incidentally, another bowling great and former skipper Wasim Akram recently said that Shoaib's career was virtually over unless some miracles happened.
Shoaib has been ignored for the One-day series in Sri Lanka and also for the Champions trophy and the enigmatic pacer has also been served a showcause notice by the Pakistan Cricket Board for giving a spicy interview on television.
Imran said that if Shoaib worked sincerely and hard on improving his fitness and focused totally on cricket, he was worth a place in the team.
"A fit Shoaib can be important to the team because the bowling still needs to be boosted a bit I think, specially after watching the performances in recent matches," Imran said.
He advised Shoaib to earn his place back in the team with 100 percent fitness.
"Even Shoaib has to realise that he is a senior player and he must not be a burden on the team when selected," he added.
Shoaib has responded to the board showcause notice but it is not clear whether he has challenged the charges or accepted his mistake and apologised.
A senior board official said that the lawyers of the board would look into Shoaib's reply.
Meanwhile, chief selector Iqbal Qasim said Shoaib would definitely be considered for a comeback if he proved his fitness.
"There is lot of cricket coming up we are playing New Zealand and Australia and if Shoaib can prove his match fitness we will definitely consider him. I don't think not being picked for the Champions Trophy is the end of the world for him," Qasim said.
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