LAHORE, July 7: Opener Imran Nazir was recalled after a year's absence on Wednesday when he was named in the 14-member Pakistan squad for this month's Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.
Medium-pacer Umar Gul, who has still not regained full fitness, was not considered for selection.
However, as widely anticipated, fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was named for the six-nation tournament.
Chairman of selectors Wasim Bari said that since Umar's rehabilitation was still in the process, it was decided not to risk him in the limited-overs tournament of which Pakistan are the defending champions.
Woolmer, while commenting on the squad, said that although Umar had cleared the MRI and bone-test but a recurrence of the back problem, which forced the paceman to miss the deciding final Test against India earlier this year, was the reason for his omission from the Asia Cup squad.
The coach predicted that Pakistan will give good performance in Sri Lanka despite strong claims of both India and the host country. Both Woolmer and Inzamamul Haq, the Pakistan captain, agreed on the selection of five bowlers.
"We can't compromise on the number of batsmen as it is necessary to build big totals to win matches. Furthermore, the team has good part-time bowlers to make up for a sixth bowler," Woolmer said.
The coach hoped Pakistan would give old rivals India a tough time. About Asim Kamal's omission, Inzamam said that Younis Khan was more experienced as a middle-order batsman which resulted in the latter's inclusion.
About Shoaib, the skipper denied any rift with him and added the bowler was doing well at the camp and hopefully he would prove a match-winner in Sri Lanka. There are six specialist batsmen in the squad in Inzamam, vice-captain Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed and the recalled Imran Nazir. Wicket-keeper Moin Khan, all-rounders Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik and Rana Naveedul Hasan also add stability to the batting strength.
Inevitably, Shoaib Akhtar spearheads the bowling department along with Mohammad Sami and Shabbir Ahmed. Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria is the lone specialist slow bowler.
The squad leaves for Sri Lanka from Karachi on July 13 after the training camp at the Qadhafi Stadium concludes on Friday. Pakistan are placed in Group 'A' with Bangladesh and Hong Kong. The Group 'B' comprises India, UAE and the hosts Sri Lanka.
Two teams from each group will qualify for the second phase of the tournament starting from July 21. The second phase will be played on league basis and the top two teams will qualify for the Aug 1 final. Pakistan face Bangladesh on July 17 in their opening fixture.
SQUAD: Inzamamul Haq (captain), Yousuf Youhana (vice-captain), Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Abdul Razzaq, Moin Khan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed, Shoaib Akhtar, Imran Nazir, Danish Kaneria, Rana Naveedul Hassan.
OFFICIALS: Haroon Rasheed (manager), Bob Woolmer (coach), Murray Stevenson (trainer), Riaz Ahmed (team doctor).
SCHEDULE
Group 'A': Pakistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong.
Group 'B': Sri Lanka, India, UAE.
PRELIMINARY ROUNDS:
July 16: Bangladesh v Hong Kong (SSC, Colombo); India v UAE (Dambulla, D/N).
July 17: Pakistan v Bangladesh (SSC, Colombo); Sri Lanka v UAE (Dambulla, D/N).
July 18 Pakistan v Hong Kong (SSC, Colombo); Sri Lanka v India (Dambulla, D/N).
SECOND ROUND:
July 21: A2 v B2 (SSC, Colombo); A1 v B1 (RPS, Colombo, D/N).
July 23: A2 v B1 (RPS, Colombo, D/N); A2 v B1 (SSC, Colombo).
