Pakistan has the firepower to win World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar

DHAKA - Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said that the bans on two of his bowling partners would not affect the national team, and predicted that they still have enough variety to succeed in the World Cup.

Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were banned for at least five years along with former captain Salman Butt earlier this month after they were found guilty of ’spot-fixing’ charges by an International Cricket Council (ICC) tribunal in Doha.

“Obviously, we are unfortunate that they are not there. But still whatever the pace attack we have is good enough to win matches,” Stuff.co.nz quoted Shoaib, as saying.

The 35-year-old further said that he along with Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz and Junaid Khan can still restrict any side in the world.

“We have the best combination for the new ball and reverse with the older. I think we can manage to put it right,” Shoaib said. (ANI)