Shoaib Akhtar will star in T20 World Cup: Aaqib Javed

Ace speedster Shoaib Akhtar would be the biggest star at the inaugural ICC Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, Pakistans interim bowling coach Aaqib Javed says.

Karachi, July 28 : Ace speedster Shoaib Akhtar would be the biggest star at the inaugural ICC Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, Pakistan's interim bowling coach Aaqib Javed says.

Aaqib said that it won't be Shoaib's lightning pace, but his slower deliveries that will make his batting opponents South Africa hop.

The September 11-24 extravaganza will see Shoaib working on his slower delivery, which will surprise many, The News quoted Javed , as saying.

Aaqib said he was impressed by Shoaib's return to form after months of injury and doping-related problems.

Shoaib, 31, missed the World Cup in the West Indies after limping out of a Test match in South Africa because of injury. Later, he skipped a three-match series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi in May in a bid to regain full fitness.

"I count Pakistan among the favourites to win the tournament in South Africa because they have some world class bowlers and a strong batting line-up," Javed said.

Aaqib, however, pointed out that the team with best chances to lift the T20 trophy on September 24 would be world champions Australia.

ANI