June 23, 2008	Monday	Jamadi-us-Sani 18, 1429

KARACHI, June 22: Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik indicated on Sunday that he would be regularly turning his arm over during the ninth edition of Asia Cup that starts from Tuesday.

Malik, who has been severely criticised for not using himself as a bowler since he assumed the captaincy of the national side last year, told the pre-tournament media conference at the National Stadium that he was fit enough to bowl the full quota of his off-spinners.

“The reason not bowling in the past few months was that I had been suffering from a sore shoulder. But now I feel fully recovered and fit enough to utilize myself as a bowler in this tournament,” Malik said.

He said the forthcoming tournament is important from Pakistan’s point of view because the team was in high spirits after winning the tri-series in Bangladesh.

“Obviously, we are taking Asia Cup very seriously not because we are the hosts, but we want to carry the momentum forward after our victory in Dhaka final last week,” Malik said. “Our track record in Asia Cup is not that great since we have won it only once (in 2000), but we are very keen to win it this time in front of home crowd.”

The Pakistan captain pointed out the oppressive weather won’t be a hindrance because nowadays cricket was played the whole year.

“I think as professional cricketers, we shouldn’t be complaining about weather being unkind to the players and so forth. Our job is to perform and perform well in all conditions. The staging of this tournament in June and July means nothing to us,” he opined.

Malik remarked that Pakistan would have an edge over main rivals India and Sri Lanka because of the ‘home territory factor’.

“Conditions in our part of the world are almost the same and it’s not a big issue as such. In my view, we have an edge because the crowd will be behind us and rooting for their team in all matches. But there will always be pressure of performing against good teams. But I think we are good enough to play well under pressure.”

Meanwhile, Hong Kong coach Aftab Habib said his charges were excited at the chance of playing in the tournament against Pakistan and India.

“We have got young players and all of them are looking forward to playing against players who they regard as their heroes,” Aftab told reporters.

The former England batsman rated India as the favourites in the forthcoming event.

“I think India should win this competition. They have got a good side who have played consistently well in the recent past.”

Hong Kong captain Tabarak Dar rated his team as better than the squad that featured in the 2004 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

“Definitely, this current side is much younger and fitter than the team we took to Sri Lanka four years ago. There are a number of good exciting cricketers in this squad.”