Lahore, May 23 (ANI): Former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz has advised Shoaib Akhtar to shed some weight if he wants to prolong his cricket career.

Blaming Akhtar for creating troubles for himself, Nawaz said the controversial pacer had only a year of international cricket left in him.

“I think he has created problems for himself. I think he has another year of international cricket left in him but for that he has to shed weight and work hard,” The Daily Times quoted Nawaz, as saying.

Nawaz said that these days fast bowlers gave emphasis on gym training only, rather than an all round body witness.

“The problem is that there is too much emphasis on gym training for bowlers and as a result while the upper body of the bowlers is strong their legs are weak and they constantly face fitness problems,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PCB has named Rao Iftikhar Anjum as a replacement for Akhtar, who was dropped from the World Twenty20 championship due to a skin infection.

Coach Intikhab Alam said 28-year-old Anjum would be a good replacement for Akhtar.

“It is good that Akhtar’s fitness position was clear. At least now we know where we stand as a team and I think Iftikhar is an able replacement for Akhtar,” Alam said. (ANI)