Many thanks to Junaid (itsmek1), our correspondent in Dubai for providing this update on Shoaib Akhtar's recent ailment and the chances of him partaking in the forthcoming twenty/20 World Cup due to be held in England next month.

Shoaib it was reported recently has been suffering from a contagious skin condition and he had been advised by doctors to skip the pre World Cup high-altitude conditioning camp at the hill resort of Bhurban, in Punjab, May 14-19.

Many questioned whether Akhtar would be fit for the tournament and whether the latest setback would mean him missing such a high profile tournament and one that could be his last major tournament in Pakistan colours.

Speaking from Lahore Shoaib stated "that he has had minory surgery for the condition and is making a speedy recovery with a view to be fully recovered in the next few days".

Shoaib added that "I feel perfectly fine now and I am all geared up and set for participation in the Twenty/20 World Cup tournament, a tournament that I desperately want to play in and absolutely do not want to miss".