October 25, 2007	Thursday	Shawwal 12, 1428

HONG KONG, Oct 24: Hard-hitting Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi has dropped out of the All-Star team for this weekend’s Hong Kong Sixes and will be replaced by England wicket-keeper Geraint Jones, organisers said.

Afridi’s withdrawal comes after he was selected to play in Pakistan’s one-day series against South Africa and follows Virender Sehwag’s decision to pull out to play for the India Blue team at the Challenger Trophy in Ahmedabad.

Jones, who was part of England’s 2005 Test victory over Australia, will be captained by his Ashes foe Shane Warne in the All-star team, which also includes paceman Glenn McGrath and all-time leading Test run-scorer Brian Lara.

“Any time you have the chance to play on a team that boasts players such as Shane, Brian, Glenn and all the other guys it is very exciting,” said Jones, who has fallen out of favour with England selectors in recent Tests.

“I cannot wait to have a crack at this style of the game alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket.”

Hong Kong, England, Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa are all represented at the tournament, which is being played from October 27-8. The competition has been running since 1992.—AFP