Akhtar injury blow for Pakistan

Pakistan are reeling after their World Cup preparations were further disrupted with the news that Shoaib Akhtar would be in doubt for the tournament in the Caribbean next month after succumbing to a another knee injury.

“Shoaib apparently has a knee problem but we still have to know the extent of its seriousness,” a PCB spokesman said.

“He will have scans to confirm how serious the injury is but he has been advised to rest it for some three weeks.”

Akhtar spoke of his frustration at the latest setback, coming only months after he was allowed to return to international cricket after a successful appealing a doping ban.

“I am deeply disappointed with this new injury. I am so keen to play in the World Cup because this is the peak of my career,” he said.

“I am still hoping the injury can clear up with a few weeks rest which would allow me to recover in time for the World Cup but everything depends on the scan results.”

Pakistan start their World Cup campaign on March 13 against the West Indies in Jamaica.