But fast bowler admits recent controversies have taken toll
Veteran paceman Shoaib Akhtar concedes the recent 'spot-fixing' controversy has affected Pakistan's performances but also believes they are the best limited-overs side in the world.
Pakistan lost both the Twenty20 and one-day international series on their recent tour of England after allegations that some of their players had deliberately bowled no-balls during the fourth and the final Test at Lord's surfaced.
"These controversies have shaken the confidence of the team and players and now it is very important to get rid of such problems in order to lift the sagging fortunes of the side," said Shoaib.
"I think it is sad but at the same time it is important to overcome this factor to infuse new confidence in the team to produce better results in coming assignments."
He added: "As far as I know, Pakistan are the world's best side in ODIs and T20s. We have the ability to win against any team.
"If the situation favoured Pakistan in England and if we had stayed away from controversies, Pakistan would've beaten them five-nil in the one-day internationals."
Test ambition
Shoaib, who has taken 178 wickets in the longer version of the game, played his last Test against India at Bangalore in December 2007.
While his appearances in the limited-overs squads have been sporadic, injury and disciplinary problems have kept him out of the Test team.
But a determined Shoaib has targeted a return to the five-day game during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand at the end of the year.
"The way I'm performing and working on maintaining fitness, I can say with confidence that I can not only play next year's World Cup but can be a part of the team for another four years," he said.
"I still feel I can play some more Test cricket for Pakistan and I am targeting the New Zealand tour before the World Cup."
