Karachi, May 14 (ANI): Terming fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar as vital for the national cricket team, former Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram said the Rawalpindi pacer still had a lot to offer, provided he remains fit.

"Shoaib can still play a couple of years for the country if he takes good care of himself to avoid further injuries," The News quoted Akram, as saying.

He further said that Akhtar, who missed the recently concluded World Cup due to a knee injury, should take his time to recover before returning to international cricket.

"He (Akhtar) should not rush his return to cricket and take his time to recover from his injury," Akram said.

Akhtar has not been included in the 16-member team for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi from May 18-22. (ANI)

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