Spiritual treatment comes to Shoaib Akhtar's aid

Eager to make a comeback to the national team, Pakistan's controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has approached a spiritual healer for the treatment of his chronic knee pain, which could not be cured even after a major surgery in England last year.

According to sources close to the bowler, Shoaib went to see a spiritual/faith healer in Karachi who specialises in treating people with orthopedic and muscular problems.

A source said the healer has attributed the pain to a nerve being trapped inside the knee resulting in blockage of normal blood circulation.

According to the source Shoaib had admitted taking injections regularly and medications to fight the pain.

"The knee used to get stiff and painful but he is feeling great now and is back to normal. There is no pain in the knee at all.

"He has been targeting a comeback to the team for a while and now he is confident if called to the camp he can prove his fitness to the selectors," the source said.

Shoaib has not played for Pakistan since May 2009 due to fitness and disciplinary issues though he played some domestic cricket recently to prove his fitness and form to the selectors.

Chief selector Mohsin Khan has said that Shoaib's case will be considered when the selectors will finalise the team for the Asia Cup and England tour.

"Shoaib, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz have all recovered from fitness issues and we will have a close look at them before final selection in the camp.

"If he is ready, definitely it will be good for the team because he is an experienced performer particularly in English conditions," Khan had said on Monday.