Infighting, controversies marring ‘world’s best team’ Pak’s progress: Shoaib Akhtar

LAHORE - Although the Pakistan cricket team is the best in the world, infighting and controversies have marred its progress at the international level, controversy-ridden Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has stated.

“I reckon Pakistan as the best team in the world, particularly in the ODIs and T20 formats. Bowling is our main weapon and when its firing full throttle and with reverse swing doing its magic, no team can stand in front of us as it was in the 80s and early 90s,” The Nation quoted Akhtar, as saying to reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium.

He said that once the Pakistan batting started supporting the bowlers, no one could stop them, but added, “We have to work hard because we are now lacking in experience in batting.”

He also claimed that the pressure on the Pakistan team made things easy for England.

“Had there been no pressure on players in England, Pakistan would have white-washed the series,” he stated.

With the Pakistan team being cleared of the spot fixing charges in the third ODI match against England last month, Akhtar said that it now had a fair chance to emerge as the best team in the world.

He further said that Pakistan should now pick a group of players, and prepare them for the upcoming World Cup.

Akhtar explained that he was out of the squad during the England tour because he wanted to avoid putting stress on his body.

“I did not play during the England series because I did not want to stress my body. I think I would work till the New Zealand series and if gained proper rhythm with the new run up then I would opt for Test matches,” he said. (ANI)