Inzamam looks to reconcile with Shoaib

Inzamam-ul-Haq has said that he intends to talk at length with Shoaib Akhtar in South Africa during the Afro-Asian Cup. Both players have been selected to represent the Asian XI in the three-match one-day series starting August 17.

Inzamam said he planned to "sit down" and discuss team issues with Shoaib. "I want to tell him what plans we have in mind for him, what are we expecting from him as our main strike bowler in the coming season," he said. "I would also like to hear from him about his fitness and form and how motivated he is for the coming series."

Inzamam, who will captain the Asian XI side, also made it clear that he had no personal problems with Shoaib. "There is no personal grudge between us. I just want him to perform as a frontline bowler for the team," he was quoted as saying by PTI. "We have no doubt in our mind that when he puts his mind to it he is a match-winner for us."

Inzamam said he would also talk to the other Pakistani players who are representing the Asian XI, and let them know what he expected of them.