KARACHI, May 2: Pakistan are introducing a player rotation policy to prevent burnout before next year's World Cup in the West Indies. “We have 75 playing days before the World Cup and the danger of losing some of our players to fatigue and fitness problems is real,” Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq said on Tuesday.

“Which is why we have decided to adopt a rotation policy for the Tests and One-day Internationals to preserve our players for the big tournament.”

Pakistan are in England from June to play four Tests and five one-dayers before taking part in the ICC Champions Trophy in India in October and November.

They also play three Tests and three one-dayers against West Indies at home in November-December, and then fly out to South Africa for a full tour before the World Cup.

“The boys have been through a hectic schedule for the last six months which has involved lot of travelling.

“In the last few games you could see some of them dropping in their motivational levels,” Inzamam said.

“Players facing burnout and fatigue due to the gruelling international calender is a real issue and we have to take steps to keep our best players available for the World Cup.”

Inzamam, 36, has struggled with a back problem since last year and said he would also look at resting for some matches.

“We will be looking at some new players in the training camp for England so that we have a wide base for selection for our rotation policy and for the World Cup.”

Pakistan has invited former South African international Jonty Rhodes, famous for his fielding, to help out during a training camp before the England tour.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Shoaib Malik has undergone successful surgery to correct his suspect bowling action and should be fit for the tour of England.

Shoaib, 24, has been reported twice by match officials in the last two years and has primarily played as a batsman.

The operation took place in Cape Town, removing floating bones from his right elbow and repairing tissues.

He has been advised to rest for six to eight weeks before batting and bowling again.

“I suffered pain in my right elbow while batting or bowling and it was one of the reasons why I had problems extending it properly,” Shoaib said on Tuesday.

“I am happy that this problem is done with now.

“I am confident I will be fit by the time the team leaves for England in late June.

“It is a tour I have been looking forward too for a long time,” he said.

Shoaib said his elbow had been damaged in a road accident in 2003 and due to his cricket commitments he could not take time out to get it repaired.

He has played 15 Tests and 117 One-day Internationals.

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has started bowling again after a knee operation in Australia earlier this year. —Agencies