Shoaib Akhtar could still make a return to international cricket according to Pakistan's chief selector Iqbal Qasim.
Door still open for controversial paceman
Shoaib Akhtar could still make a return to international cricket according to Pakistan's chief selector Iqbal Qasim.
The fast bowler found himself in hot water again earlier this week after publicly criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Shoaib threatened to sue the PCB in a television interview with
Express News over their announcement that his omission from World Twenty20 squad was due to a genital infection.
His comments however were in breach of the terms of his central contract which prevents him from openly criticising decisions of the board.
Shoaib is already in a legal dispute with the PCB after he lashed out at the administration when he was initially denied a central contract.
His initial five-year ban was reduced to 18 months on appeal and then suspended with a further appeal ongoing.
Vital
Despite all his disciplinary woes, Qasim claims controversial paceman could still have a future with Pakistan.
But the chief selector added that Shoaib would not be welcomed back into the international fold, insisting that the 33-year old would first have to prove his worth.
"The door is not closed on Shoaib Akhtar, he can still play cricket for Pakistan in the future," Qasim told
pakpassion.net.
"However what he needs to do is to prove to the selection committee that he is fit enough for international cricket.
"It is absolutely vital that Shoaib Akhtar performs well and on a regular basis in the coming domestic cricket season and proves to the selectors that not only is he bowling well and taking wickets, but he can maintain his fitness levels too.
"It's down to Shoaib to show us that he can get himself fit and bowl well."
