LAHORE, Oct 16: Manager Pakistan team Yawar Saeed justified the inclusion of paceman Shoaib Akhtar in the  Sharjah Cup-bound Pakistan team saying the bowler has proved his match- fitness by playing in the domestic cricket.

Talking to journalists during the second-day national training camp proceeding at the Gaddafi Stadium, the official said that Shoaib Akhtar had bowled spells of five overs in various matches of the ongoing Patron’s Trophy and that was ample proof of his match-fitness.

He denied the allegation that Shoaib Akhtar deserted the Pakistan team during the last England tour without getting permission from the team management. The PCB official believed that  Mudassar Nazar was the best coach and in his presence the team would not feel the absence of Richard Pybus.