Shoaib claims fitness, Shabbir in no hurry

[Naveed]

Shoaib claims fitness, Shabbir in no hurry

By Asher Butt
LAHORE - World's fastest bowlers Shoaib Akhtar once again has pushed the ball into the PCB court by declaring himself fit and patriotic countryman. But the other fast bowler of the national squad Shabbir Ahmed has bought more time to be fit.
Shabbir said that he did not want to rush into matches and want to gain full fitness. "I want to gain full rhythm in my bowling and don't want to aggravate my injury and the time I am fit it would be for the better of the team and the country.
Talking to journalists after the first 20-20 match of Asia against Leicestershire here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday the pacer said: "I have bowled to my full potential and kept the ball in line. Now its all up to my trainer Grant Campton and the PCB chairman to decide," he added.
He also termed his return in the team to the mutual understanding of Shaharyar and Campton but felt better.
"I have bowled fast and so far so good," he felt. He further said that he would be talking to the trainer and sought his opinion how much fit he is though his run up was fine, speed was ok and line and length accurate.
"I feel hundred per cent fit but it depends how much fitness and match practice the trainer wants," Shoaib said, adding he had and always play for country.
"In the past I have performed in matches even taking pain-killer injections," he defended.
"I don't understand why there is always hue and cry n my injury when a fast bowlers getting injured is a normal thing," said he, quoted injuries to Brett Lee, Jason Glispie and Glenn Mcgrath in his defence.
Showing patriotism to the country he said that if the board permits him even for the last one-day of the Pakistan-India series it would be great.
He also praised the performance of the team in India and side by side regretted to be sitting out of such a high-profile series.
To a question regarding his discipline, Shoaib referred to his past performances saying he had always played for the country. "I am a great servant of the country and I will keep on doing that," he said.
On the other hand, Ehtashamuddin, member of the national selection committee, believed that just four overs of the 20-20 match wont be enough to test the fitness level of the bowlers. "They have to play in the Patron's Cup and we would watch them play and stay in the field for full 50 overs then the selection committee would look to consider for the ODIs." But he also conditioned Shoaib's fitness with disciplined as was stated by the PCB Chairmen before the start of the series. But there are some contrasting reports that the PCB has got the visa stamped on these two bowlers passports and some sources said that the step has been taken in case the team loses the early matches, they would be sent in as reinforcement for the remainder of the ODIs maybe last two or three.
Ehtashamuddin also said that the selection committee wants both the bowlers to play all the five matches for their departments. But by the time the tournament is over half the series would also be passed.

[Raz]

Like the selector said 4 overs isnt enough to judge. He needs more matches.

[Noman]

Like the selector said 4 overs isnt enough to judge. He needs more matches agrre

[Hash]

Like the selector said 4 overs isn't enough to judge. He needs more games.

[waquas_uk]

i would never let him go to india for the last 1 dayer theres no point

[suhaib]

he just wants to go to mumbai.

[scifinite]

hahah

[161]

Originally Posted by suhaibonline he just wants to go to mumbai.

why was he rejected by lollywood ???

about shabir - he has played a couple of games now- and has done reasonably well - don't know what he's waiting for.