Tuesday, September 5 2006 16:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Karachi: Sourav Ganguly need not be desperate to play for India and the time is right for the former captain to make a dignified exit from international cricket, according to Pakistan great Wasim Akram.

The legendary all-rounder said that Ganguly did not have to prove anything more and that timing his retirement correctly would round off a successful career.

"Sourav has been an outstanding leader for India, but I think it is now time he should hang up his boots," he said.

The former Pakistani captain said he had admiration for Ganguly but was disappointed he had not taken the tough but right decision on his retirement.

"This is a problem in our part of the world. Top sportsmen don't realise when is the right time to say goodbye to the game," Akram, who finished with 414 Test and 502 one-day wickets said.

"I don't think he now stands a chance of getting selected again in the national team. There are some good young players coming up in the Indian team now." Ganguly was again ignored by Indian selectors when they announced the ICC Champions Trophy squad on Sunday.

Also missing was leg spinner Anil Kumble who was suffering from tendonitis.