Qadir puts faith in Shoaib

Shoaib Akhtar has been a proven match-winner for Pakistan © Getty Images

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Pakistan's chief selector Abdul Qadir has backed speedster Shoaib Akhtar, saying the fast bowler is a match-winner.

Akhtar was recalled to the national team earlier this month despite fighting a legal battle with the Pakistan Cricket Board over a ban imposed on disciplinary grounds.

The 33-year-old was handed a five-year ban which was reduced to 18 months, but Akhtar is hoping to overturn the ban on appeal.

Akhtar has also struggled with injury, a calf strain keeping him on the bench for the three-match one-day series against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.

"There are two types of players," Qadir said. "A majority of players are good at their own craft and contribute to the team's cause, but there are a few who have a winning mentality.

"Shoaib has always been a match-winner and he needs special handling. I will sit down with him, sort things out and hopefully open the door for him so that he can give his best to the team in the final phase of his career."

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam also indicated Shoaib had plenty to offer.

"Shoaib is certainly not finished as an international player as yet and he still has a few years to give to Pakistan cricket," Alam said.

"He can play a very important role against India and we will be relying on him to deliver the goods with experience and pace.

"I don't think he is finished. If nursed properly and he takes care of himself, Shoaib can do more for Pakistan than he has done in recent times."