Karachi: Pacer Shoaib Akhtar's continued struggle with fitness has irked the Pakistan Cricket Board officials and selectors, who are now questioning his selection in the side.
Shoaib, still struggling with a calf strain failed a fitness test ahead of the second one-dayer in Abu Dhabi on Friday, raising serious questions whether he was fit enough to be included in the national team.
Shoaib was picked in the side for the ODI series against West Indies after playing a couple of Twenty20 matches and two first class games where too his fitness remained doubtful as he bowled in short spells.
"This latest injury really does raise serious questions whether Shoaib has the fitness levels and stamina to survive for long in international cricket," one former Test player said.
Sources within the PCB said Chairman Ejaz Butt and selectors were not happy with the way Shoaib had strained his calf muscle during the team's first training session in Abu Dhabi.
One source said that Butt has directed the selectors to ensure that in future only 100 per cent fit players would be picked in the national team and those with even a slight doubt over fitness should be ignored.
Shoaib returned to the national side after remaining on the sidelines since last December due to fitness and disciplinary issues.
Interestingly, Shoaib himself has said he can play for another two to three years for Pakistan.
Shoaib, still struggling with a calf strain failed a fitness test ahead of the second one-dayer in Abu Dhabi on Friday, raising serious questions whether he was fit enough to be included in the national team.
Shoaib was picked in the side for the ODI series against West Indies after playing a couple of Twenty20 matches and two first class games where too his fitness remained doubtful as he bowled in short spells.
"This latest injury really does raise serious questions whether Shoaib has the fitness levels and stamina to survive for long in international cricket," one former Test player said.
Sources within the PCB said Chairman Ejaz Butt and selectors were not happy with the way Shoaib had strained his calf muscle during the team's first training session in Abu Dhabi.
One source said that Butt has directed the selectors to ensure that in future only 100 per cent fit players would be picked in the national team and those with even a slight doubt over fitness should be ignored.
Shoaib returned to the national side after remaining on the sidelines since last December due to fitness and disciplinary issues.
Interestingly, Shoaib himself has said he can play for another two to three years for Pakistan.
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