Asia Cup 'make or break' tournament for Akhtar : Afridi

Karachi, Jun.10 (ANI): Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi believes that the upcoming Asia Cup in Sri Lanka would be a 'make or break' event for controversial speedster Shaoib Akhtar.

Afridi said if Akhtar performs well during the quadrangular one-day tournament involving arch rival India, hosts Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, he could boost his chances of not only for the Test series in England this summer, but also for the 2011 World Cup, which would be held in the sub-continent.

"If Shoaib proves his form and fitness in Sri Lanka then he will not only be going to England but may go on to play till the 2011 World Cup. He has got enough experience and can be a threat against the best batting line-ups in the world," The Dawn quoted Afridi, as saying.

Afridi backed Akhtar's inclusion into the 15-man squad for Asia Cup, starting June 15, saying he expects the Rawalpindi Express to return with a bang.

He said Akhtar has been training hard to get in shape after being out of competitive cricket for over a year, and is raring to perform on the international stage.

"Shoaib is looking sharp and working really hard for the Asia Cup. He is really motivated and I'm expecting him to return with a bang," said the flamboyant all rounder.

Afridi also rubbished reports regarding Akhtar, 34, not being fully fit.

"I don't know who is spreading such false rumours. There is nothing wrong with Shoaib. He is fully fit and it's showing in his output during training sessions. He is going that extra mile which is a great sign for us," he said. (ANI)