Shoaib in two minds on knee surgery

Conflicting medical advice on a left knee injury has left Pakistan's mercurial pacer Shoaib Akhtar confused and he is wondering whether to go for a surgery or get himself treated through medication and physiotherapy.

His injury-ravaged and controversial career is hanging in balance and desperate to save it, Shoaib is consulting various doctors to get rid of the knee injury.

Shoaib's personal trainer Dr Tauseef Razzak has got two different advices from specialists and this has apparently left the pacer confused on his future course of action.

"The PCB doctor has advised him to undergo surgery to remove floating bones in his left knee while specialists at the Shaukat Khanum hospital say there is no such need and he can recover through physiotherapy and medication," Razzak said.

Shoaib Akhtar is expected to meet Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt later this week to find out whether the PCB would foot the bill if he opts for a surgery.

"He basically wants to know if the board will bear the expenses if he (Shoaib) decides to go and have the surgery in Australia like he did in 2006," a source close to him told

"Shoaib has already consulted the doctor who treated him in 2006 for the same problem on telephone and is keen to go to Australia," the source revealed. He said the doctor had told him that it would not be a major surgery as the floating bones can be removed through orthoscopy.

"But after the process, Shoaib will be required to rest his knee for at least six to eight weeks for a successful recovery," the source stated.

At 33, some former players feel Shoaib is unlikely to be able to make another successful return to international cricket after a second surgery on his knee.

"It is never an easy process to make a comeback for a fast bowler at Shoaib's age specially if the same problem has erupted again," former pacer Jalaluddin said. Shoaib Akhtar was dropped from the Pakistan team for the third one-day international against Sri Lanka last month after he made a disappointing return to the national team post a 14-months lay-off.