Akhtar aims for successful international comeback

KARACHI - Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has vowed to silence his critics by giving a forceful performance on his return to international cricket soon.

Im going to silence the people who are talking against me by making a successful return to international cricket, Shoaib told Geo Television in an interview Wednesday.

Shoaib missed last months ICC World Twenty20 because of a skin problem and was later ignored for the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka.

The Rawalpindi-born pacer made it clear that he has no problems with his fitness and can return to national duty any time the team needs him.

I must tell you that there were never any problems with my fitness, said Shoaib, who turns 34 next month.

I was dropped from the Twenty20 World Cup because of medical grounds. I have recovered from that and am 100 percent fit. I am in the best form of my life and am training extensively, he stressed.

Shoaib, who has taken 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 223 wickets in 144 ODIs and eight wickets in seven T20 internationals, said he is even ready to bowl in tough weather conditions.

Lahore is very, very hot these days but Ive been training there everyday and can play in any kind of conditions.

Shoaib thanked former pacer Waqar Younis for backing his bid to make yet another international comeback.

Waqar was a great fast bowler. He has been a good friend and also gives me valuable advice, he said.

Waqar, a former Pakistan captain, said in an interview that he believes Shoaib can play for Pakistan for a few more years.

“Shoaib can still play for a couple of years for Pakistan and if that is possible then it is good for Pakistan cricket,” said Waqar.

“There is no doubt he is fast and a very intelligent bowler,” he said.