Akhtar back for love, not money
DROPPED from the national team and branded unfit by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Shoaib Akhtar is focusing on just one thing - another crack at Australia. And he'll be doing it without a central contract, or even a retainer.
Akhtar, who is also under fire from the PCB for considering joining Australian Brett Lee as a Bollywood film star, is keen to put recent dramas behind him.
"I don't need a central contract to play for my country," the quick said in Lahore while training with the national squad.
The 32-year-old fast bowler refused on Friday to accept a special retainer from the PCB.
"I have no problems against the board for not giving me a contract," Akhtar said.
"I turned up for my country when I was ill [during the December Test series against India] and I will do so again whenever required. I'm fit, I'm strong and I'm ready to resume my career with Pakistan with or without a contract.
"Central contracts are not an issue because I play for my country and not for money."
Akhtar said India's recent spirited performance in Australia was encouraging for rival nations.
"The way the Indians have done well against them, I am sure that we can also do well against them," he said.
"I am gearing up for that challenge and want to achieve the best results against them."
DROPPED from the national team and branded unfit by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Shoaib Akhtar is focusing on just one thing - another crack at Australia. And he'll be doing it without a central contract, or even a retainer.
Akhtar, who is also under fire from the PCB for considering joining Australian Brett Lee as a Bollywood film star, is keen to put recent dramas behind him.
"I don't need a central contract to play for my country," the quick said in Lahore while training with the national squad.
The 32-year-old fast bowler refused on Friday to accept a special retainer from the PCB.
"I have no problems against the board for not giving me a contract," Akhtar said.
"I turned up for my country when I was ill [during the December Test series against India] and I will do so again whenever required. I'm fit, I'm strong and I'm ready to resume my career with Pakistan with or without a contract.
"Central contracts are not an issue because I play for my country and not for money."
Akhtar said India's recent spirited performance in Australia was encouraging for rival nations.
"The way the Indians have done well against them, I am sure that we can also do well against them," he said.
"I am gearing up for that challenge and want to achieve the best results against them."
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