By Saj Sadiq

  

Pakistan's pre Twenty/20 World Cup plans were dealt a blow yesterday when news broke of an injury to batting starlet Umar Akmal at the pre World Cup training camp currently ongoing in Lahore.

The 19 year old younger brother of Pakistan wicket keeper Kamran Akmal speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net calmed the fears of Pakistani cricket fans around the world by stating that the injury was not too serious.

"The injury occurred during fielding drills as I dived for the ball. Its not a muscular injury, more of a surface injury where I scraped my body on the turf".

Akmal who has passed the half century mark already on 11 occasions for Pakistan added that he was confident that he would be back in full action in a couple of days time. "At the moment because of the nature of the injury I cannot bat in the nets or in practice matches, due to the awkward position of the injury. However I should be batting again in a couple of days time and things should be fine. I don't see any problems regarding my fitness for the Twenty/20 World Cup. I was advised a few days rest and I am following that advice".

Regarding the Twenty/20 World Cup, Akmal stated to PakPassion.net that he feels Pakistan can do well in the tournament. "It will be tough to defend the trophy, but hopefully we can play some good cricket and retain the trophy. One thing is for sure though, my team mates and I will give our absolute all for the country and we will do our utmost for the fans".

The pre World Cup training camp being supervised by Waqar Younis and Ijaz Ahmed is due to continue till 19th April, as Pakistan look to defend the Twenty/20 World Champions crown they lifted in England last year.