KOLKATA: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team management in India will know in the next four days whether pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Shabbir Ahmed are available for the one-day series in India.
The final word on the availability of the two bowlers came from the Chairman PCB Shaharyar Khan on Sunday when he said —after speaking to trainer Grant Compton —that Shoaib had resumed bowling in the nets while Shabbir would be playing a match from Monday (today).
“Shoaib has resumed bowling in the nets according to Compton whom I spoke to today after the Test match. He says if Shoaib doesn’t feel any strain in his hamstring after three or four days of regular bowling in the nets then he can be available for the one-day series starting from April 2,” Shaharyar said.
“He (Shoaib) is carrying no injury now as the reports say; it’s not an injury but a hamstring strain which will heal with regular playing and bowling. I would say at this stage that he has 50 per cent chance of joining the team for the one-dayers,” he added.
Shaharyar also made it clear that Shabbir had been cleared by Compton to play in a practice game from today and that if he went through the game without any problems in his knee, he would be cleared to join the team in India.
“I think Shabbir has more of a chance to join the team in India. He had a knee problem which has healed to a great extent now. But Compton, who is looking after the rehabilitation process of both bowlers, has made it clear he will not rush them back into competitive cricket,” he added.
“I’m not disappointed with the performance of the team after today’s defeat because the team has shown spirit and fighting qualities. We were in a position in this match at one stage to even win it. What we are lacking in is consistency in our batting performances,” he observed. “Then don’t forget our bowling resources are also limited and I think in foresight Arshad Khan would’ve been a better choice to play in Kolkata,” he stated.
or may be they’re still in denial 
…I am lost ! 