I'll return, says broken Shoaib

[Awesome Anjum]

KARACHI: Pakistan’s controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has vowed to regain his fitness and be at his best for the forthcoming series in India.
The 29-year old who returned midway from the tour of Australia on Saturday told Mid Day he was aware that his regular fitness problems were not good for his reputation and image.

“Which is why I decided to come back home early and start working on my fitness. The Indian tour is a highpoint of my career and every one wants us to do well there. “I had a disappointing series against the Indians when they came to Pakistan last year. I want to be at my best this time and make amends,” Shoaib said.

Describing the Indian series of three Tests and five one-day internationals as “an exciting challenge,’ Shoaib said he was disappointed with his fitness problems but not his form in Australia. “I am upset because I know I gave my best in Australia.

But If I am injured there is nothing I can do about it. Every fast bowler even the great ones have been prone to injuries. So I am no different,” he said.

The last time he played in a Test match in India at Kolkata, Shoaib starred in that Test by dismissing Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid on successive deliveries and said he still considered those two wickets as the most prized of his career. “I want to do a repeat this time also,” he said.

The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ has again come under fire following Pakistan’s demoralising 3-0 whitewash at the hands of the World Champions.

Although he took 11 wickets in the first two Tests, but his pictures splashed on the internet and by some sections of the local media allegedly showing him partying out in nightclubs and bars in Australia, his refusal to reduce his run-up on the advice of coach Bob Woolmer and his latest injury problem have all again put him in the firing line.

Pakistan cricket Board (PCB) Shaharyar Khan is due to have a ‘hard talk’ with Shoaib soon about his performances, injury and general conduct in Australia.

“I would only ask the board not to hold me solely responsible for the team’s poor performances in Australia. Don’t make me a scapegoat. Cricket is a team game and everyone is responsible for the failures,” he said.

However the grapevine has it that both coach Bob Woolmer and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq are not happy with his commitment after the first two Tests and are believed to have conveyed to the board they don’t want him for the Indian tour.

[Muddaser]

Though I'm not a fan of Shoaib I still believe he is a must for the India tour!

Lets just hope he gets his act together cause he has the intention to play for another 6 years which is great to see.

[Fawad]

Let's just hope he performs better than his previous tour against india

[pakistani pride]

inshallah he will perform we really need him there....

[Rob H]

He has never been his greatest admirer and i doubt he will have an impact on the horrors that are the indian pitches. They tend to suit the spinners better.

look how Aus pacers did. 98% balls on off stump in the test series.

[catwoman]

Hopefully he'll have a quick recovery and bowl better than ever. |-R

lol Mona-ji u know him outside out.

[ImranR]

the thread should be renamed i will return to the nightclubs says broken hearted shoiab

yeah as i said he'll be back on the party scene in no time. meanwhile......

SHOAIB AKHTAR

COMING TO AN OFF LICENCE NEAR YOU.

[razzler]

I am one of Shoaib's attitude biggest critic but must say here that he has been treated very harshly here. He performed brilliantly on the field and he just needs to come up with a better attitude and an even better fitness. I would like to say go show them Shoaib including me.

[Bailan]

I think questions on his inclusion for the next tour are really getting him fired up

lets hope he performs

[nadeem]

Sick of the sight of him and hope this is the end for him. I dont wanna see him in india. I'd rather lose 3-0 to them without him than have him strutting around the mumbai night spots like hes God's gift to men.

[Fessal]

Originally Posted by Umer Gul the thread should be renamed i will return to the nightclubs says broken hearted shoiab

Quote of the week |-T This is all he cares about and himself and his image. Amita nd those that say he has a good record also should realise that a lot of his wickets were taken when he had sahra and support of Wasim, Waqar and Saqlain at the other end. The guy is now always moaning he has no support from the other end instead of carrying the attack like Imran did at times on his own and succesfully.

This Actor tw@t should shut his mouth and concentrate on his own fitness and sort himself out. As for his behaviour and attitude: its very disgraceful and insult to Pakistan....the me me attitude, the night clubs and refusal to listen to others, driving to the ground instead of being with the team etc etc..THE LIST IS ENDLESS.

I don't mind if we lose while trying hard rather than losing or winning with a disruptive and trouble maker Shoaib around. And, this tw@t has had so many chances. How I would liek to see him and give him a beating of a life and I dont mean in cricket but the bat would be handy.

[Free Hit]

Shoaib Aktar is still saying that he will return after almost 5 years. even his thread had made a comeback, when will he make another comeback?

anyway i was just checking the history and this thread is a proof for how many time akhtar has promised about his comebacks.

[Tay'yab-Ali Malik]

I remember his last come back against sa. He bowled in the first innings and got 5 wickets. Broke down went home but his first innings bowling was so special that was sufficient for pak win that test match in sa.

[Ali888]

yes the last time we won a test against a major team

we are useless without a proper pace spearhead

[ammarz]

wow this one is from the vaults!! Have not seen some of the folks that posted on here for ages.
Goes to show how long has Shoaib been saying and vowing that he will come back and mend his ways. Oh Shoaib!! you never changed and it finally came to liposuction. please take those knees off to bollywood, I am sure they will find them of great use there.

[MIG]

Possibly referring to the scientifically proven concpet of reincarnation.

[Bublu Bhuyan]

Originally Posted by MIG Possibly referring to the scientifically proven concpet of reincarnation.

[OZGOD]

It just goes to show long long we've heard this particular refrain...

[Ryankhan]

i think this time it will be difficult for him to make a strong comeback cuz he has to prove himself 1st in Q.trophy