Shoaib may miss World Cup

Shoaib Akhtar © Getty Images

Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar could miss the World Cup due to a knee injury that may keep him sidelined for up to a month.

Shoaib has struggled with injuries and sat out the best part of last year while missing Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka and the Test series in England.

Doctors have advised Shoaib to have scans to reveal the extent of the injury to the left knee, which was operated on in February last year.

But, with the World Cup starting on March 13, should his injury be deemed serious he will have to fly to Australia for an operation that could rule him out of the tournament.

“I am devastated at the thought of missing the World Cup,” Shoaib said.

“I was excited at the prospect of playing in the World Cup.

“I want to help my team win the World Cup and I hope this injury is not worse and I am able to play some part in Pakistan’s cup campaign.”