Shoaib sets his sights on India tour

New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board has banned Shoaib Akhtar for 13 matches for hitting Mohammad Asif with a bat before the start of the Twenty20 World Championship. But it comes with a rider - another such incident and Shoaib's playing days are over.

Shoaib Akhtar returned to Lahore after being thrown out of the Pakistan squad in South Africa for the assault on Asif. His career once again in the doldrums. Now is his chance for redemption.

"I did apologise to my teammates, to my country and to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and everyone. But it happened at the heat of the moment," confessed Shoaib.

Shoaib's 13-match ban includes the games played at Twenty20 World Championship and the two Test series against South Africa which leaves him free to return to the squad for the marquee series against India that begins in November.

"Just want to go to India, perform there and win the series and get my goals right," said Shoaib.

Shoaib knows its now time to back talk with action. In a decade-long career he has missed more matches than he has played in for Pakistan.

His Test record is modest for a man of his ability; 169 wickets in 43 Tests at a shade over 25 apiece and in One-Dayers too, Akhtar's numbers aren't anywhere near greats likes of Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.

"I have got 210 wickets in 80-odd ODIs. In the next four years, I think I should manage to take around 400 wickets and that is my goal," said Shoaib.

At 32, the clock is ticking. Shoaib knows the equation is simple - serve the ban, pay the fine of 34 lakhs and stay out of trouble.