Brit surgeon finds Akhtar ‘very co-operative’, says he needs surgery only on left knee

ISLAMABAD - Renowned British Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Williams, who is treating Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar found the controversial speedster ‘very co-operative’, and has said that he needed surgery only on his left knee.

“Shoaib Akhtar met me for consultation at Wellington Hospital and I found him very co-operative. He needs surgery only to his left knee. The right knee seemed to be alright,” Dr. Williams said over the phone from London.

Dr.Williams, who had also treated English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff earlier, said Akhtar’s left knee would be operated on Thursday (today) after which he would have to undergo a rehabilitation programme for a few weeks.

“He will need to stay in the hospital for one night. After surgery, Shoaib will be under rehabilitation programme and it will take a few weeks for the bowler to return to action again,” The Nation quoted Dr. Williams, as saying.

While Akhtar’s career appears to be almost over, the bowler himself is hoping that surgery would end his woes and help him restart playing competitive cricket.

“I am just so excited and optimistic that a world-leading knee surgeon like Andy Williams is going to take care of my knee.I hear that he is like an artist with knees and that his expertise is second to none. It is a great comfort that Andy is taking on my treatment,” Akhtar had said earlier.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has however, denied paying Akhtar’s medical bills.

Akhtar said he has been eagerly waiting to get into the national squad and be a part of the team for a long time.

He hoped that the knee operation would pave his way for making a come back and play till the 2011 World Cup or even after that.

“Although I may not have played as much as I should have, the good part is that I am still very fresh and have a great deal more to offer Pakistan.I am looking to play at least as far as the 2011 World Cup and hopefully even further,” Akhtar said.

The Rawalpindi Express hasn’t played much for Pakistan for the past two and half years due to fitness and disciplinary issues.

Akhtar, who has taken 178 Test and 223 one-day international wickets, recently played in a domestic tournament in a bid to get back into the national team.(ANI)