Nov

30


Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will require another three to five months to get back into shape to resume his international cricket career. Far from his peak playing weight, Akhtar underwent liposuction surgery in a desperate bid to fast-track his way to fitness.

The Pakistan fast bowler underwent surgery at a private hospital in Islamabad on Friday, shedding a good amount of fat in the process. Whatever happened to getting into shape the good old fashion way of exercise and eating the right foods.

“He would require three to five months to get fit. Any one going through such surgery needs a proper rehabilitation programme to get fit and ready for the strenuous exercise. Any attempt to make an untimely comeback could further complicate his fitness problems,” said Dr Waqar Ahmad, Deputy Director General Pakistan Sports Board.

Waqar said that Shoaib is already 34. “In such an age, there are always chances of complications. Shoaib has to be careful in order to regain his full strength.”

Dr. Humayun, who the other day while talking to ‘The News’ admitted conducting surgery on the player, said Shoaib had been given general anesthesia for the purpose.

Meanwhile, former Test pacer Sarfraz Nawaz expressed his unhappiness over Shoaib’s decision to reduce the fat through liposuction. “He definitely has taken a wrong step. It is like taking a shortcut to make your body trim and ready. He should have instead tried to reduce the weight and trim his physique through workouts. That way you reduce your weight every day,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is totally in the dark regarding the development. No prior approval has been sought by the bowler who has decided to go through the liposuction process. “All the players who are in contract with the board are supposed to take the PCB in confidence before going through any such exercise. In Shoaib’s case, we know nothing. However, we are in process of gathering the facts,” said a PCB spokesman.

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