Shoaib can be handled: Pakistan Coach
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Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar with Mohmmad Asif
Newly appointed Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam believes controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar can play for three more years if he looks after himself and manages his fitness well. Intikhab, who has been appointed coach for the One-day series against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi
Karachi, Oct 28: Newly appointed Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam believes controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar can play for three more years if he looks after himself and manages his fitness well. Intikhab, who has been appointed coach for the One-day series against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi and has also been offered a two-year contract by the Pakistan Cricket Board,
said Shoaib and Mohammad Asif were match-winning bowlers.
"Shoaib can be handled. I will try my best to be candid with him and treat him with affection and respect. I feel if someone treats him with care he is always willing to respond positively to you," Intikhab said.
He said Shoaib could easily carry on playing for another three years if he took care of his fitness and avoided further controversies.
Shoaib is presently embroiled in a legal battle with the PCB over an 18-month ban and seven million rupees fine imposed on him by an appellate tribunal.
The Lahore High Court will take up the case on November 17 as the fast bowler has challenged the ban imposed for several violations of discipline.
Intikhab also said he would love to see Asif back in the side.
Asif is presently suspended by the board for having tested positive in a dope test in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His fate would be decided by the IPL's drug inquiry tribunal next month.
"If Asif is cleared of these doping charges, I would do my best to guide and advice him to avoid unnecessary controversies as he still has a lot to give to Pakistan cricket," Intikhab said.
The former Test captain said if both bowlers were available for the nation by the time India comes early next year, it would be a great contest between the two and the strong batting line-up of the visitors.
Intikhab said he was following the Pentangular tournament in which leading players are appearing and would soon announce his plans for the Abu Dhabi series.
Shoaib's performance, meanwhile, is being closely monitored by chief selector Saleem Jaffer during the ongoing Pentagular tournament.
Jaffer feels the speedster requires some time to get back into the groove.
"He definitely needs to trim down but I am sure he will improve as he keeps playing more first class cricket."
--PTI-
said Shoaib and Mohammad Asif were match-winning bowlers.
"Shoaib can be handled. I will try my best to be candid with him and treat him with affection and respect. I feel if someone treats him with care he is always willing to respond positively to you," Intikhab said.
He said Shoaib could easily carry on playing for another three years if he took care of his fitness and avoided further controversies.
Shoaib is presently embroiled in a legal battle with the PCB over an 18-month ban and seven million rupees fine imposed on him by an appellate tribunal.
The Lahore High Court will take up the case on November 17 as the fast bowler has challenged the ban imposed for several violations of discipline.
Intikhab also said he would love to see Asif back in the side.
Asif is presently suspended by the board for having tested positive in a dope test in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His fate would be decided by the IPL's drug inquiry tribunal next month.
"If Asif is cleared of these doping charges, I would do my best to guide and advice him to avoid unnecessary controversies as he still has a lot to give to Pakistan cricket," Intikhab said.
The former Test captain said if both bowlers were available for the nation by the time India comes early next year, it would be a great contest between the two and the strong batting line-up of the visitors.
Intikhab said he was following the Pentangular tournament in which leading players are appearing and would soon announce his plans for the Abu Dhabi series.
Shoaib's performance, meanwhile, is being closely monitored by chief selector Saleem Jaffer during the ongoing Pentagular tournament.
Jaffer feels the speedster requires some time to get back into the groove.
"He definitely needs to trim down but I am sure he will improve as he keeps playing more first class cricket."
--PTI-
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