PCB confident of good performance from Shoaib in T20 WC

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has expressed confidence that pacer Shoaib Akhtar will lead the teams bowling attack in next months Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa despite having a stiff neck.

Karachi, Aug 6 : A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has expressed confidence that pacer Shoaib Akhtar will lead the team's bowling attack in next month's Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa despite having a stiff neck.

According to the official, the injury is minor and Shoaib would be a part of the 15-man squad for the inaugural World Cup of the shortest version of the game.

"Shoaib had a stiff neck and the doctors advised him a week-long rest which is why he was allowed to leave the camp and go home," said the official.

"Apart from the minor neck problem, Shoaib is fully fit and we are confident that he would be bowling at full throttle in South Africa," The News quoted the official, as saying.

Shoaib had joined the Karachi-leg of the ongoing camp for the World Cup a day late due to personal reasons and missed a few initial practice matches. He did not impress much in a match that he played.

Later, he missed the remaining games because of a stiff neck and left for home on Saturday.

The national selectors are expected to announce the squad on August 8.

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