Team Physio: Shoaib Akhtar's injury exagerated

Thanks to the reference of fellow blogger, Dawn is reporting that Shoaib's injury was not that serious, and it was probably his indiscipline that got him sent back, as many suspected....

Pakistan cricket team physio, Grant Compton on Saturday said the hamstring injury to fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is not of serious nature and is, in fact, quite manageable at this stage.

"The hamstring is of 'A' grade nature which is not serious," Compton, who started the rehabilitation of the Rwalpindi-born pacer at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Saturday, told reporters.

He added that he has examined the hamstring and has decided to ask Shoaib to start light exercises right away.

Shoaib himself, though, was reluctant to speak to the press but took four laps of the sprawling Gaddafi Stadium before stepping into the NCA gym for some light exercises for about 25 minutes.

It was quite obvious from the way Shoaib undertook his running and exercises on Saturday that it was more the act of indiscipline – his tiff with coach Bob Woolmer in the second Test - than his fitness that prompted the team management to send him back.

Shoaib, however, dismissing any such rumours said he was now fit and his main target was the World Cup which is scheduled to be held in the West Indies in March-April. The controversial fast bowler appeared fairly anxious about the reports filtering in from South Africa about his behaviour and dispelled the impression that his injury in the second Test was not a genuine thing.

Asked if he would play the final of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Silver League for Islamabad, Shoaib said he would definitely consider the option.