I am completely fit, says Akhtar

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has claimed he is completely fit to play international cricket, and is hopeful of representing the country at the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa next month.

Karachi, Aug 2 : Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has claimed he is completely fit to play international cricket, and is hopeful of representing the country at the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa next month.

"I had developed a bit of a neck stress on Tuesday, but right now I am perfectly alright," said Shoaib, who has looked out of sorts and overweight during the ongoing series of Twenty20 practice matches.

Shoaib expressed confidence about Pakistan's chances of victory in the Twenty20 World Cup, saying that Pakistan would be able to raise a balanced combination for the shortest version of cricket.

Earlier this week, team manager Talat Ali had said that Shoaib would play only selected practice matches ahead of Twenty20 series.

Thirty-one-year-old Shoaib missed the early matches of the series. The fast bowler also skipped Wednesday's warm-up match, and will not play today's tie as well.

Shoaib's last international appearance was in the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth in January this year. His last one-dayer was against England at Nottingham on September 8, 2006.

He was selected to play one ODI each against Scotland and India last month, but both matches washed out.

ANI