If Shoaib cant perform in county, how can he deliver for country, says Pak selectors

Following Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtars dismal performance in county cricket while representing Surrey, taking only two wickets for 150 runs in his previous match against Hampshire, the PCB selectors have cast apprehensions over his fitness and future role in the national team.

Islamabad, Sept 21 : Following Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar's dismal performance in county cricket while representing Surrey, taking only two wickets for 150 runs in his previous match against Hampshire, the PCB selectors have cast apprehensions over his fitness and future role in the national team.

"Shoaib's form is really a matter for concern for the selectors. If he cannot deliver for a county, how he could do for the country," The News quoted one of the selectors as saying.

The selector expressed his doubt over his future role as a leading bowler for Pakistan. "One thing is now almost clear that he would find it hard to deliver in the longer version of the game. Keep twenty20 aside where a bowler has to bowl just four overs, it would be difficult for Shoaib to be an affective bowler in the longer version of the game," the selector said.

The selectors questioned Shoaib's role in the Pakistan team, considering the fact that Surrey team management didn't have enough confidence in him and didn't let him open bowling attack for the team.

Shoaib had finished with poor bowling figures of 0-63 while representing Surrey against Nottinghamshire in the English County Championship on Friday.

Shoaib represented Surrey in two matches and returned just one wicket - that he got in previous match against Hampshire, conceding over 150 runs in the process.

Meanwhile, the PCB is waiting for the outcome of Monday's hearing in Lahore High Court, before making plans on his selection for the Toronto (Canada) event.

"The PCB has sought the LHC's opinion on whether to consider Shoaib for the twenty20 event without his submitting the seven million rupees fine. It would only be after that we would be able to know whether we should consider him for selection. Even if we get a green signal from the Lahore High Court, the selection committee faces a tough decision on Shoaib's selection considering his form and fitness," said the paper.

ANI