LAHORE, Feb 27: Paceman Mohammad Irshad, is being called to attend a training camp to be held in the first week of March to finalise Pakistan team for the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka, chief selector Wasim Bari, told Dawn after presiding over national selection committee meeting on Monday.

“Irshad is doing well and we will watch him in the training camp to assess his potential before inducting him in the team,” Bari, a former Test captain said.

The team requires fast bowlers as key bowler Shoaib Akhtar was not fit while Mohammad Sami is out of form.

Bari pointed out that the training camp would be held soon after the end of the ongoing Twenty20 Cup.

He said the meeting considered the availability of different players for the tour. All-rounder Shahid Afridi, he said was also available for the tour.

Afridi had missed last two ODIs against India (at Multan and Karachi) due to pain in his rib injury.

Pakistan lost the series 4-1 after winning the Test series 1- 0.

In Sri Lanka, Pakistan will play three ODIs and two Test matches.

The series begins with three ODI series, all to be held in Colombo on March 17, 19 and 21. The first match is Day and Night while the remaining two are day fixtures.

Colombo will also host the first Test from March 24 to 28 while the second will be held at Kandy from April 6.