Shoaib Akhtar still has a future in international cricket: Qasim

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Cricket Board’s newly appointed chief selector Iqbal Qasim has stated that controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar still has a future in international cricket.

Qasim said: “The door is not closed on Shoaib Akhtar, he can still play cricket for Pakistan in future, however what he needs to do is to prove to the selection committee that he is fit enough for international cricket.”

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, he said the reports that the selectors received were that Akhtar was not fit enough to be eligible for selection for the 30 man preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy and they took note of those reports accordingly.

“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. Its down to Shoaib to show us that he can get himself fit and bowl well,” he said.

Qasim said is it a very important domestic season for Akhtar, and other players who are on the verge of international selection.

“I am going into this job with a very open mind and the selection door is open to youngsters, up and coming players and of course to former international players who are not in the current squad in Sri Lanka. Basically anyone who is performing well in domestic cricket stands a very good chance of selection,” he added. (ANI)