Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is to visit specialists in Australia after being diagnosed with a degenerative disease in his left knee.
The 30-year-old, who was ruled out of an upcoming tour to Sri Lanka because of a stress fracture of the ankle, had MRI scans and X-rays on his knee.
“His other knee could also be affected and surgery is definitely an option,” said team spokesman Saleem Altaf.
“We don’t know how long he is going to take to make a complete recovery.”
Shoaib has been beset by fitness problems throughout his career but was in played a pivotal role when Pakistan beat England 2-0 at the end of 2005.
It took its toll, however, and he was less successful during a recent home Test series against India.
"Shoaib bowled in pain in the Test matches on generally flat pitches and he has taken a lot of pounding on his ankle and knee, which has led to the problem said Altaf, Pakistan’s Director of Cricket Operations.
Pakistan must now hope he will recover in time for the tour to England from July to September, when they will play five Tests and five one-day matches.
Shoaib has taken 165 Test wickets and 199 in limited overs games after beginning his international career in 1997
Even though injuries are a part of the game, any injury that is likely to deprive an individual from playing cricket for any amount of time is definitely a huge mental and emotional loss for that person, not to mention the physical trauma that he is likely to suffer following the doctor's orders.
God willing, Insha-Allah, he will be fit and ready for another English series. In the meantime, we will get to experience bowling techniques from our talented pool of players, and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.
With Shoaib unfit for the Lankan series, it is now time to re-evaluate our bowling options:
Mohammad Asif: A genuine strike bowler, a wicket-taker, one of the most successful bowlers Pakistan have produced in recent memory.
Rana Naveed: Even though performed horribly during the past series, he must be given a few more opportunities before the World Cup in order for him to get his head back together, and for us to extract the most potential from him, while we can...
Umar Gul: In comparison to Sami, should at least be provided with another full series, and not just a match here and there. Let's incorporate him full-time into the squad for the time being.
Mohammad Sami: Worthy enough to spear-head our bowling attack in the future when Shoaib hangs up his boots, not to mention least bit competent to be included in the upcoming series?
Danish Kaneria: Will be immensely helpful when in desire of specialist spin bowling, although the likes of Afridi and Malik will continue to dominate that department, from the looks of it.
Arshad Khan: If pigs can fly, then I believe Taaya Arshad can spin some magic in his deliveries, too. We will leave him alone, considering he will be a part of Pakistan squad for the next 15 years.
Please feel free to add/substract from the list above.
Its sad because he had changed and was really starting to play for the team.
The thing is the pakistan cricket board should have told him to rest during the one day matches against India...
Inshallah he will be back...In the meantime I think we should give more chances to Naveed Rana . Remember, this guy performed exceptionally well against India in India a short while back,.