Alam denies Shoaib Akhtar not fully motivated for India clash
March 28th, 2011 - 1:51 am ICT by IANS
New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam has denied reports that pacer Shoaib Akhtar was not fully motivated for Wednesday’s Cricket World Cup semifinal against arch rivals India in Mohali and said the “Rawalpindi Express” has immersed himself in practice.
“Shoaib has been fully involved in match practice, and is available for selection. He’s very much part of the squad and there is no question about his motivation or enthusiasm to play in this important game. Akhtar is ready for the semi final,” the London-based pakpassion.net quoted Alam as saying.
Intikhab also dismissed as “false” reports that Akhtar’s focus has veered away from cricket after he announced his retirement from international cricket last week.
“The rumours about Shoaib no longer focussing on cricket after announcing his retirement are false,” he said.
Alam claimed Akhtar was training hard with the team through the tournament and “it’s been no different since he announced his retirement”. “He has not missed any sessions”.
Alam, however, conceded that the fast bowler was not fully fit at any point during the World Cup.
“I wouldn’t say Shoaib is 100 percent match fit. He’s been carrying a knee problem and has been in pain during the tournament, but, to his credit, has still managed to play some matches,” the site quoted Alam as saying.
- Akhtar 'fully motivated' for World Cup semi-final against India: Intikhab Alam - Mar 28, 2011
- Pakistan want Shoaib to play only if he is fit - Mar 29, 2011
- Half-fit Shoaib can win World Cup for Pakistan, says Intikhab - Feb 15, 2011
- Abdul Qadir resigned due to "lack of independence", dispute over Akhtar's selection - Dec 29, 2010
- "Even a half fit Shoaib Akhtar can lift Pakistan to World Cup glory": Intikhab - Feb 15, 2011
- Shoaib Akhtar to retire after World Cup - Mar 17, 2011
- No farewell match for Shoaib Akhtar - Apr 14, 2011
- Asia Cup 'make or break' tournament for Akhtar : Afridi - Jun 10, 2010
- Demand for Akhtar's farewell match gathers momentum - Apr 16, 2011
- Kiwi tour: Alam says team focusing on physical fitness, fielding - Dec 14, 2010
- Gul will return with bang in Pakistan's Test series against Windies: Intikhab - Apr 10, 2011
- Shoaib Akhtar hopeful of making international return - Feb 18, 2010
- Akhtar, Akmal dope-tested ahead of ICC World Cup 2011 - Feb 17, 2011
- Afridi expects Akhtar to 'return with a bang' in Asia Cup - Jun 09, 2010
- No conflict between Akhtar and Kamran: Afridi - Mar 19, 2011
Tags: arch rivals, clash, cricket world cup, focussing, game, India, international cricket, knee problem, london, match, mohali, motivation, New Delhi, pacer, pakistan team, rawalpindi, retirement, rumours, sessions, world cup semifinal