Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi raised expectations of a return for Akhtar when he said he knew the bowler wasn't fully fit, but would to have him in the lineup to offer something different against the powerful Indian batsman.

But a source, who was not authorized to comment to media, said late Tuesday that Pakistan team management was not in favor of disturbing a winning combination.

The 35-year-old Akhtar has already announced he'll retire from international cricket after the World Cup, but has not played in four of the seven matches in the tournament.

In his absence, Pakistan has defeated Zimbabwe, handed three-time champion Australia its first World Cup loss since 1999 and also thrashed the West Indies by 10 wickets in the quarterfinals.

“The only likely change (for semifinal) from the quarterfinal team is that leftarm spinner Abdur Rehman might come in place of offspinner Saeed Ajmal,” the source said.

Afridi told a scheduled news conference that Pakistan selectors would make a call on Akhtar as late as possible on the eve of the match.

Akhtar hasn't been in the starting 11 since the group stage loss to New Zealand.

Several former Pakistan players have called for Akhtar to be reinstated in a bid to unsettle India's batsmen, who are comfortable playing spin but could be vulnerable against all-out pace.

Afridi seemed to imply that Akhtar would play - providing he is fit - and the player himself is desperate to return.

“Winning this match (against India) or performing well, people will remember you all their life,” Akhtar told BBC radio. “You'll be talked about for many centuries.

“I want to be remembered, I want to do well, I want to put every ounce of my body that I have left in me. I will go out there and provide and deliver it.” Former captains Imran Khan and Javed Miandad were among those backing Akhtar's inclusion, and the 35-year-old veteran of 163 ODIs has also received support from teammates Umar Gul and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Gul said Akhtar's presence would take some pressure of him as Pakistan's frontline fast bowler.

The Pakistan team rested Akhtar after the loss to New Zealand in which the “Rawalpindi Express” conceded 70 runs, including 28 in one over.