Pakistan’s leading test wicket-taker Wasim Akram does not believe his international career is over and still hopes to play in the 2003 World Cup.
``I have set my sights on playing the next World Cup in South Africa,‘’ the 35-year-old Wasim told Reuters from Lahore on Wednesday.
The former Pakistan captain has not been invited to a training camp in Karachi ahead of the Asian Test Championship match against Bangladesh in Multan on August 29.
But Wasim is expected to feature in a trial match on August 17 to prove his form and fitness to Pakistan selectors.
``I have no problems about proving my fitness to anyone, although it is disappointing not to be automatically invited for the camp,‘’ Wasim said.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lt General Tauqir Zia and chief selector Wasim Bari have said the team to play Bangladesh would be decided after the trial matches.
``I believe I am fit and good enough for international competition. I still have set my mind on surpassing Sir Richard Hadlee’s 431 and Kapil Dev’s 434 Test wickets,‘’ Wasim said.
``I have always maintained that the day I feel I am not justifying my place in the team, I will retire.‘’
Wasim has 414 wickets in 102 Tests since making his debut as an 18-year-old in 1984. He is also the highest ever wicket-taker in limited overs cricket with 440 victims in 319 matches.
But he had a disappointing tour to England this year, taking just five wickets in two tests.
``I am 35 now and may have lost my pace a bit, but I still have penetration and the ability to beat the bat,‘’ he said.
``I have had a few bad series as a bowler, but who doesn’t? And I don’t think I have bowled badly even in England, it is just a matter of taking wickets, which will happen soon,‘’ he added.