Mohammad Asif In Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Squad

[jayanthi mandhalapu]

Mohammad Asif was recalled on Friday to be a part of Champions Trophy in South Africa. He will replace under-performing all-rounder Abdul Razzaq in the squad.

Chief selector Iqbal Qasim declared the 15 member team for the eight nation tournament.Shahid Afridi has been named the vice-captain for the tourney.

Qasim who is a former Pakistan Test spinner said, "We have announced the best Pakistan team possible for what I believe is the toughest tournament in international cricket."

The Pakistan's squad for the tournament includes five fast bowlers .The tournament will be played from September 22 to October 5. Qasim said the decision was made considering the playing conditions in South Africa.

Qasim added, "The wickets are usually bouncy in South Africa and the conditions offer both swing and seam movement for fast bowlers, which is why we have selected five pacers for the 15-man squad."

Asif, who played for the last time in April last year, will lead the pacer team which includes Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and youngster Mohammad Aamer. Saeed Jamal is the only specialist spinner in the squad.

Asif is currently serving a one year ban period after being tested positive for banned anabolic steroid nandrolone during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last summer. His ban period  ends on September 22.

The selectors have decided to use wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal as opening batsman along big-hitter Imran Nazir.

The squad will attend a 10 day training camp at   the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore starting from September 1.