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April
7, 2000
The
strength of the Pakistan cricket squad currently in the West Indies has
swelled to 19, with chief selector Wasim Bari confirming young off-spinner
Shoaib Malik had also flown with the team from Sharjah to the Caribbeans.
Bari who returned to Karachi on Monday disclosed that Malik instead of
returning home from Sharjah had been sent with the team to the West
Indies, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) felt he would gain exposure
and be groomed by remain associated with the team.
Earlier young pacer Irfan Fazil also joined the team in Sharjah and flew
to the West Indies as the 18th member as a reinforcement for the injured
Shoaib Akhtar, after the Cricket Board had announced a 17-member squad for
the two months tour which includes a triangular One-day competition and
three Test matches.
Bari said while Irfan Fazil had been flown as a back-up for Shoaib Akhtar,
Shoaib Malik was scheduled to return home from Sharjah where he went as a
playing member of the 15-member squad, but later on it was decided by the
Board that the extra players should travel with the team to the West
Indies and remain there on the expenses of the Board.
"The
West Indian Board is providing hospitality to only 16 players as per
reciprocal agreement between the two boards, three players would remain
with the team on PCB expense, since Chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia believes
they would gain experience and learn by touring with the seniors. Bari,
however, made it clear that if required the three extra players would be
considered for selection in the West Indies. The chief selector while
expressing satisfaction over the performance of the team in the Sharjah
tournament, stated that when the Test series begins in the West Indies
some changes might be made in the touring squad.
"Definitely
we are keen to have Saeed Anwar and Saqlain Mushtaq for the Test matches
as they are experienced and seasoned performers. But this would only be
possible once they are declared 100 per cent fit."
He informed that Saeed Anwar had orthoscopy carried out on his damaged
knees in London recently and had been advised 20 days rest before he can
start playing again.
"Hopefully
since the first Test does not start until May 5, Saeed would be able to
join the team." About Saqlain he said that the off-spinner had
informed he was recovering from his illness and would be available for the
Test matches. "We are keeping in touch with him."
However, about the condition of Azhar Mehmood, who also went to England
for treatment of a back problem, Bari said he still had time to recover
and was not under consideration for the series against the Windies.
Asked that if Saeed and Saqlain joined the team in time for the Test
matches would any players be sent back home after the triangular one-day
series, the chief selector said definitely one opener and two of the
spinners would then return home. The Pakistan squad presently in the West
Indies includes no less then four openers in Imran Nazir, Naveed Qureshi,
Wajahatullah Wasti and Shahid Afridi and three specialist spinners Mushtaq
Ahmed, Arshad Khan and Shoaib Malik.
Bangla2000
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