PCB looks other way as Shoaib continues to make hay in SA
By Waheed Khan
KARACHI: The enigmatic Shoaib Akhtar appears once again to be calling his own shots even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to defend him by insisting he has stayed back in South Africa to seek medical opinion for his sore knee.
But what sort of specialist treatment Shoaib is getting in South Africa is questionable because a well-known commentator, Mike Haysman, said on Sunday that the fast bowler had been going around town (in Durban) doing photo shoots with Bollywood stars.
For apparent reasons, Haysman who was commentating during the fourth day of the Pakistan and South Africa Test in Durban didn’t name the Bollywood personalities, but he did make the point that Shoaib was supposed to return home after being released from the team but is still moving around town. “He is not making many friends by not returning to Pakistan as yet,” Haysman said.
If one goes by what Haysman said then Shoaib should be in Durban where, incidentally, a conference or show involving Bollywood personalities and stars is also supposed to be taking place.
But the PCB has insisted that Shoaib is in Johannesburg to get a second medical opinion for his knee problem and has been saying since last one week he will return in next couple of days.
The point is how long does it take for Shoaib to complete his medical examinations because it is already over a week since he was released by the Pakistan team management after he complained of knee soreness?
Then he was told to return to Pakistan and start a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the PCB medical panel so that he is fit for the World Cup.
No such thing so far and indications are that he might not return home till after New Year.
Sources say members of the Pakistan team are also not very happy in Durban because the Bollywood stars were staying in the same hotel as the team and Shoaib was mingling around with them when he should have been in Pakistan.
Strangely, the PCB was very particular about ensuring that senior players like Wasim Akram and Rashid Latif returned home immediately after the one-day series was over.
In fact, last month Rashid was even asked to catch the first available flight home after he also went to Johannesburg to seek medical attention on a serious shoulder and neck problem.
Shoaib’s case, however does not appear that serious as the official version is he has complained of sore knees.
The bottom line is what sort of example is the Board setting by allowing Shoaib to do as he pleases when by all counts he should be in Pakistan preparing for the World Cup?
True, Shoaib is a match-winner but going by his recent injury problems and antics, one honestly wonders whether the PCB is doing the right thing by tolerating so much indiscipline in the hope of dividends from the fast bowler in the World Cup.
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