July 29, 2008	Tuesday	Rajab 25, 1429

LAHORE, July 28: Claiming that he will prove full fitness in the coming trial matches, fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar showed his eagerness to feature in the ICC Champions Trophy on Monday.

Talking to media personnel here, Shoaib has claimed to have regained 85 per cent fitness, adding he will show it in the trial matches here at the Gaddafi Stadium from Aug 5 to 9.

Shoaib, who has represented Pakistan in 46 Tests and 138 One-day Internationals so far, is exercising individually to regain fitness after a five-year ban imposed on him for indiscipline was suspended by the Lahore High Court earlier this month.

“My fitness level is improving. Now I am 85 per cent fit and eagerly waiting to play the ICC Champions Trophy,” Shoaib said.

The fearsome paceman also appealed all the participating teams to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, saying the country was quite safe.

“Please don’t insult Pakistani nation by raising doubts over our security arrangements as Pakistan is quite safe for the international community,” he stated.

Shoaib also expressed his desire for the early availability of compatriot fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul.

“I would like to see Asif back in the team after clearing himself from positive dope test and Umar, who is facing a back problem,” he said.

While Shoaib is optimistic about his fitness, well-informed sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) told Dawn there were many ifs and buts on the bowler’s re-entry into the national team.