January 12, 2007	Friday	Zilhaj 21, 1427

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LAHORE, Jan 11: Lanky medium-pacer Shabbir Ahmad will be appearing for the Multan side against Lahore Ravi in the second round of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Silver fixture at the LCCA ground from Friday after missing the first round match against lowly-rated Quetta.

Shabbir, who could not make an impression in the Twenty20 Cup after returning to cricket from his one-year ICC ban for illegal bowling action, needs to show his match-fitness in the domestic matches to nudge selectors for his place in the Pakistan team touring South Africa.

Shabbir was one of the 25 probables who attended the training camp prior to the tour from which a 17-member team was selected. But the national selection committee did not consider Shabbir citing his lack of match-fitness for the testing series.

Multan, who were relegated from the Gold League after finishing at the bottom in last season, had registered an innings and 131-runs win against Quetta in their first round match.

Lahore Ravi had lost their first match to Hyderabad by four wickets, but at home ground they appear to be in a better position to face the fiery pace attack of Multan comprising Abdul Rauf, Azharullah and Shabbir.

In the other Silver League matches, Hyderabad will host Abbotabad while Islamabad lock horns with Quetta at home ground.

In the Gold League's fixture three matches will also be played.

Gold League's programme:

Karachi Urban vs Peshawar, National Stadium, Karachi.

Rawalpindi vs Karachi Harbour, Rawalpindi Stadium.

Sialkot vs Faisalabad, Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot.