JOHANNESBURG, Aug 21: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik insists his team has not been affected by the recent turmoil in Pakistan cricket as they prepare for next month’s Twenty20 World Championship.

Pakistan cricket has had a difficult year after a disappointing World Cup and the untimely death of coach Bob Woolmer.

The squad’s preparations for the Twenty20 World Championship have been hampered by reports of a row between players and senior administrators, the defection of Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq and Imran Farhat to the Indian Cricket League and disciplinary problems with Shoaib Akhtar.

PCB’s appeals committee decided on Monday to suspend the fine and penalty imposed last week on fast bowler Shoaib.

“He is an asset and he has been supporting the youngsters in the camp. Of course Pakistan need him,” Malik told reporters during a conference call from Lahore on Tuesday. “One good spell is all you need to win a game and our strength is our fast bowlers,” he added.

“We have had three training camps in Pakistan and they have been very nice,” Malik said.

Pakistan take on arch-rivals India in one of the showpiece games of the tournament in Durban on Sept 14 and Malik said he expected a typically entertaining meeting.

“It is always competitive and exciting when we play India and we are really looking forward to that game,” he said.—Reuters