July 28, 2008	Monday	Rajab 24, 1429

LAHORE, July 27: Pakistan cricket players engaged in water sports at the Khanpur Dam on Sunday, some 100 kilometres from Kakul, where they have been attending a training camp since July 21.

Manager Talat Ali said the players spent the entire day at Khanpur as they were on a recreational trip which also provided them with an opportunity to swim and ride motor-boats.

The camp which was set up to improve physical fitness of the players is scheduled to conclude on Monday.

“The players went through rigorous training at the camp and are in perfect shape,” Talat said.

Pakistan have to start a hectic schedule of activities in August and September, featuring in a four-nation Twenty20 tournament in Canada, a proposed three ODI home series against New Zealand and the ICC Champions Trophy.

The manager added that the players have to prove their fitness in trial matches to be played in Lahore from Aug 5 to 9.

Paceman Shoaib Akhtar, who was not selected for the camp, is training individually. It is said the bowler was not fit enough for the camp. He will be called to play trial matches to prove his fitness.

According to some sources, Shoaib’s chances to find a place in the Canada-bound squad appear to be quite slim.