KARACHI, Nov 19: Pakistan's off spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is targeting a return to competitive cricket in late February after surgery.

"I have had key-hole surgeries on both my knees which had developed ulcers in them. I am now going through the rehabilitation process and by late February should be back to playing cricket," Saqlain told Reuters on Friday.

The 28-year old has played just one test for Pakistan in a miserable year. He was dropped from the squad in April. With a bag of 208 test wickets in 49 matches and 288 in 169 one-dayers, he remains Pakistan's most successful slow bowler.

He said: "Right now I have been told to use crutches while walking. But I have also been advised to do pool exercises and physiotherapy. Doctors say I can start training and bowling by mid February." -AFP