Injured Wasim Akram eyes World Cup

Injury-prone Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram said despite recent setbacks he was still looking ahead and hoped to be fit for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

"The injuries have been disappointing but at this stage of my career one has to take the good and the bad in the same stride," said Akram on Friday.

"But I will definitely look forward to playing in the other coming series against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the World Cup," Akram said.

The 35-year-old left arm fast bowler, who has appeared in 104 Tests for his country, returned home from Bangladesh on Thursday after withdrawing from the tour due to a strained hamstring.

Akram, Pakistan's highest wicket taker at Test and one-day international level bowled just 16 balls on the Bangladesh tour before getting injured and being sent home. Injury has forced him to miss four Tests several one-dayers since December 2000.

"I went to Bangladesh normal, fit and looking forward to bowling again at this level. But the injury just happened and it was a big disappointment for me," Akram said.

He added he was uncertain whether he would recover in time to face the West Indies in a Test and one-day series due to start in Sharjah next week.

"I don't know if I can play against the West Indies in Sharjah. I am feeling much better now, but I want to see how it feels bowling in the nets over the next couple of days," said Akram.

Akram is expected to meet Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia later on Friday to discuss his injury problems.

Zia has said that Akram and other senior players would be put on a medical watch list to help ease them through to the World Cup.

Akram said he would welcome any advice from the PCB medical panel, as he himself was keen to avoid future injuries.

"I have been training hard myself. But still the hamstring gave way. I will need to work harder on my fitness now," he said.

Akram said he was disappointed over his latest injury.

"I know these things should not happen at the start or middle of a series as it affects the team," he said.

Mail Cricket Editor