Shoaib to play in one-day matches: Chairman PCB
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

LAHORE: Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board, while dismissing chances of re-calling express bowler Shoaib Akhtar in the ongoing test series against India said the bowler will be considered for selection provided he proves his fitness.

"I know Shoaib is making efforts to regain fitness but his chances to play in the remaining two tests in India are bleak because we need a fully fit Shoaib in the team," he told in an interview here at National Hockey stadium where he watched the semi finals of the 4-Nation junior hockey tournament on Saturday.

He said Shoaib's fitness will be fully judged by the PCB experts and the selection committee and if they declare him fit in all respects then he will be considered for the one-day series in India.

"We do not want to take the risk of including half fit players in the squad because we want to see team balanced in every department," he said.

He praised the fighting spirit of the team for earning a draw against India in the Mohali test and said it was memorable performance.

"In the first three days our performance was not good but the way we played in the remaining two days it highly spoke about the fighting spirit of the team which would help it to produce better results in the remaining two test matches", said the PCB Chief.

Shaharyar Khan showered appreciation on wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal and said he saved Pakistan for a set back. "Apart from Kamran, Abdul Razzaq, captain Inzamam ul Haq and Danish Kaneria also supported the side", he added. "I congratulate team on its performance and wish them best of luck in the coming matches", he said.●