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Mohali: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Tuesday said that retiring pacer Shoaib Akhtar is racing against time to be fit for the World Cup semifinal against India and is a doubtful starter for the high-profile match to be played at the PCA stadium on Wednesday.
Akhtar has played just three games in the tournament before being dropped but current and former Pakistan players have been calling for the experienced pacer's return in the playing eleven in a bid to unsettle the Indian batsmen.
Afridi, however, said that the team management will take a call on the temperamental pacer later in the day.
"Shoaib is not 100 per cent (fit). He is trying his level best to play and we will decide on him in the evening," Afridi said during the pre-match press conference.
The 35-year-old Akhtar, who has played 163 ODIs for Pakistan, also received support from teammates Umar Gul and Misbah-ul-Haq.
The Pakistani skipper seemed to have started mind games when he said that pressure will be more on India compared to his team during the match.
"We are not the most favourite team for this competition. India is the most favourite and we have played above expectations. We are enjoying our cricket," Afridi said.
"If you know how to handle it, there is no need to panic. I think we will enjoy playing here," he said when asked if the match was being seen more as a battle of nerves.
Admitting that it is always a big challenge to play against India in their home turf, Afridi said his team was up for the task at hand.
