Re: Do we need Shoaib Actor?/ Not a certainty for the Indian tour.
Pakistan got thrashed by Australia. It would have happened that way, whether Shoaib Akhtar played or not. Inzamam made a total of 3-4 in both innings of the only test match he played over there. Razzaq felt sick (made 4 runs from an 84 ball inning) missed test match and then came back in the ODI series, just like Inzamam.
At least Shoaib Akhtar played and tried more than that yet, all the 'shirking away' claims were levelled against him.
I have seen very spirited and well-knit team even when he is playing. Don't forget the test match Pakistan won in NZL last year, when they gave 170 run lead in the first innings and yet came back to win the test by 7 wickets. Akhtar completely shattered the famed opening partnership of Australian team.
I agree with you that he needs to stay fit. It's just that the vitriol and anger directed towards him is as unjust as was the case when Younis Khan was the target.
Fact is, a lot of Pakistani fans need reasons behind their team's defeats. They can't handle the simple fact that their team lost because it was outplayed. There always has to be a reason, whether the match is fixed or whether there's infighting in team or something else. We always need scapegoats because we can't swallow our pride.
Had this match gone bad, Sami and Inzamam would been raked through burning coals and there would be a public outcry about bringing Akthar back.
It's the same with Indian fans. They like to find excuses at all costs, whehter it's the unjust Bucknor or their team's mental strength or what not. It's hardly ever the opposing team that gets praise for a well deserved victory.
To make long story short, our culture demands scapegoat over every failure. Shoaib Akthar with his outspoken nature gives a perfect opportunity - to the PCB members, the team management and the fans.