Selectors unsure about Shoaib Akhtar

Iqbal Qasim, the current chief selector, was reserved but revealing in an interview with The News' Khalid Hussain. It appears that one of the most difficult decisions facing the selectors, is the role of Shoaib Akhtar in the upcoming series in South Africa. I have found this aspect of the PCB's selection process somewhat strange over the last many years. Everyone knows it, except perhaps the PCB, that when push comes to shove, the PCB will take Shoaib Akhtar along. As good as the remaining fast bowlers are, Shoaib Akhtar is definitely the one match winner in the squad, and truly an intimidator. If Asif and Shabbir tease and prod, its Shoaib Akhtar who puts the fear of the red leather into any opposing batsmen. I find such treatment of a talent like Shoaib Akhtar almost shameful. Questioning his place in the squad, would truly be the equivalent of questioning the place of Younis Khan in the squad, and we know what happened the last time someone did that!

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