February 12, 2007	Monday	Muharram 23, 1428

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LAHORE, Feb 11: Pakistan pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Shabbir Ahmed are unlikely to be selected in the World Cup squad due to fitness problems.Shoaib, who missed the ongoing South African tour due to hamstring, is now facing knee problem. The knee had been operated in February last year.

According to initial medical reports, fluid has gathered in Shoaib's knee and he can be advised another operation.

“I am facing a little pain in my knee and consulting with doctors to cure it before the World Cup. As soon as I receive any advice I will take a decision regarding my availability for the major event,” Shoaib told Dawn.

He, however, said that he was hopeful to play some matches of the World Cup.

Meanwhile, the pacer denied charges that he tried to get his dope test done during his stay in South Africa to check the level of banned substance Nandrolone in his blood, which had once been found in his sample and for which two-year ban had been imposed on him.

When asked how the selectors would select an unfit player when they hand over names of the World Cup squad to the Pakistan Cricket Board by Tuesday, Shoaib said that he was hopeful of early recovery.

Moreover, Shabbir Ahmad’s chances are also slim to get selected for the Caribbean journey.

Sources told Dawn that the chief selector had withdrawn Shabbir from 30 hopeful probables for the World Cup and replaced him with all-rounder Azhar Mahmood.Shabbir, who was selected for the ongoing One-day International series against South Africa, returned home due to groin problem after appearing only in the Twenty20 match.

Two more pace bowlers – Umar Gul and Mohammad Sami – are also on the injury list, giving a tough time to the selectors to select the squad, especially the pace attack.