Shoaib Akhtar's career not over, says chief selector Qasim

Lahore, Aug.10 (ANI): Pakistan's chief cricket selector Iqbal Qasim has said controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar still has a future with the national side, but he must prove his fitness to be seriously considered.

"The door is not closed on Shoaib, he can still play cricket for Pakistan in future. However, what he needs to do is to prove to the selection committee that he is fit enough for international cricket," ," Qasim told PakPassion.net.

Shoaib was left out of the series against Sri Lanka after the selectors felt he was not fit enough, and was also excluded from the 30-man pool for the ICC Champions Trophy.

"It is absolutely vital that Shoaib performs well and on a regular basis in the coming domestic cricket season and proves to the selectors that not only is he bowling well and taking wickets, but he can maintain his fitness levels too. It's down to Shoaib to show us that he can get himself fit and bowl well," Qasim added.

Shoaib, 34, last represented Pakistan in a one-day series against Australia in May, during which he was not at his best.

Chances of a comeback have also been hit due to the emergence of young fast bowlers like 17-year-old Mohammad Aamer. (ANI)