LAHORE, May 27: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said Shoaib Akhtar’s absence from the ongoing conditioning camp could have been a major issue had skipper Inzamamul Haq reported at the camp.

"Discipline always comes from the top and if Inzamam reports at the camp, Shoaib would also be there," Wasim told Dawn on Saturday.

He said the country needed Shoaib for the English assignment but he was not sure if the speedster was fit.

"Shoaib is a match-winner and he has proved it on various occasions.

“The team requires a bowler of his calibre in England,” Wasim said.

He said Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul were other two good bowlers who could deliver a lot during the tour.

"Asif is a great asset for Pakistan who can serve for a long time," he remarked.

Wasim hinted that pace bowlers would play a key role in the series, but he did not disagree with Inzamam that batsmen had a more important role in English conditions.

"Inzamam is right as the bowlers can perform only when there is a fighting score on the board,” Wasim said.

He said the idea to hire Jonty Rhodes was a good one but he should have been given more time as he could not do miracles in two weeks.

"A long-term planning is essential to improve fielding instead of calling Jonty for two weeks only," he said.

He supported the appointment of Waqar Younis as the bowling coach of the team.

"Waqar has always wanted to coach bowlers and I hope he will do justice with the job," Wasim said.

He said he would always welcome PCB’s request to serve the game in the country.

Wasim supported players' demand of pay rise and said the PCB was earning through the players so they should be given their due share.

He suggested to the PCB to exempt ‘A’ team probables from the camp who are currently playing league and county cricket in England.