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| 22 November 2004 | Monday | 09 Shawwal 1425 |
Team likely to be named today
LAHORE, Nov 21: Pakistan team for the forthcoming Australian tour will be announced on Monday, chief selector Wasim Bari said after presiding over a selection committee meeting on Sunday.
Wasim said that a detailed discussion was held during the meeting. The former Test wicket-keeper said it was likely that a 17-member team will be named instead of 16. The national squad leaves for Perth via Dubai next Sunday (Nov 28) for a three-Test series, followed by the one-day triangular tournament also involving the West Indies.
Bari, who reached Lahore from Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, said fitness of every probable was discussed and the report, prepared by the team management at the conclusion of the two-day fitness camp on Sunday, was reviewed.
Twenty-five probables besides 10 medium pacers, who have been performing well in domestic cricket attended the fitness camp. Except medium-pacer Shabbir Ahmed, all others passed the fitness test. Shabbir has already been ruled out for the tour since he had yet to recover from a knee surgery.
The 28-year-old tall paceman underwent a fitness test on Saturday but failed to satisfy Inzamamul Haq, the Pakistan captain, and coach Bob Woolmer. Mean while, the central contract with the Pakistani players will be signed before the team's departure for Australia, the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar M. Khan said on Sunday.
Mr Khan said that after signing the contract, the players would also be allowed to continue their county cricket provided they stay fit for national selection. The PCB chief, who returned from India here the other day, added that the itinerary for next year's tour of India would be finalized in early December.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently involved in a court case over broadcasting issue. That case is expected to be decided by Nov 30."
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