Projected a spoilt brat by the media, Shoaib Akhtar is actually a child in a man's body, says senior Pakistan batsman Younis Khan
KARACHI: Projected a spoilt brat by the media, Shoaib Akhtar is actually a child in a man's body, says senior Pakistan batsman Younis Khan who feels the maverick pacer is in desperate need of some privacy to get his career back on track.
"Shoaib is a match winner and I have spent a lot of time with him ... he is like a kid who needs attention all the time ... he is in need of extra care," Younis said.
Shoaib is battling to save his chequered career after being handed a five-year ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board for disciplinary violations, a punishment that was later reduced to 18 months after an appeal.
He has got temporary reprieve from that as well after the Lahore High Court suspended his ban until further hearing in September.
His every move is being tracked by a curious media and Younis feels this is exactly what Shoaib does not need. The veteran right-hander says Shoaib would be better off if his off-field life stops making national headlines.
"Fast bowlers are 'shouqeen' (fun loving) and passionate people ... more passionate than the normal players. But it would be better if the media gave them some room and they should not be given the coverage they get ... they need to be supported and encouraged," he observed.
Younis feels the same holds true for another embattled Pakistani pacer Mohd Asif, who was recently embroiled in a drug possession scandal in Dubai.
Younis said both Shoaib and Asif need to work on their fitness to live upto their talent.
"Both would need to concentrate on their fitness," he said.
Pakistan's ever-fluctuating form is also a cause of concern for Younis, who says coach Geoff Lawson needs to be more outspoken with his thoughts as players need his inputs.
"He lets us apply the plan we had devised ahead of the match. Which is a good thing. The bad thing is that sometimes he gets lost in his thoughts and doesn't interfere at all ... sometimes when we really need an input from him," Younis said.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board is planning to hold a training camp in the hilltop army station of Kakul from August 1 for the current team and reserves to get them ready for the Champions Trophy at home.
The selectors are expected to shortlist 25 players soon for the event with a question mark hanging over the future of Shoaib although he has been cleared by the court to play for Pakistan.
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