August 11, 2008	Monday	Sha’aban 8, 1429

LAHORE, Aug 10: The Pakistan Cricket Board is facing a tough situation in selecting fast bowlers for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy due to their poor fitness level.

The last date to announce the squad and to send the names to the International Cricket Council (ICC) is Aug 12.

The selectors have to pick the squad on the basis of match-fitness the players had shown in the two trial matches.

According to sources, maverick fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar sent down nine overs in the first match in no less than four spells.

Another fast bowler, Umar Gul, who is suffering from a rib injury since June 26, could not play both the matches. He had also missed the seven-day training camp in Kakul, raising questions over his fitness.

Rao Iftikhar could play only the second match in which he bowled four costly overs.

Only Abdul Rauf proved fitness by completing his quota of overs in both the matches. He bowled seven overs in a row under scorching heat in the first match on Friday.

Among batsmen, Salman Butt, Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi missed the matches.

Salman is recovering after appendicitis operations.

While Afridi, suffering from wrist pain, despite having a programme to play at least one match, could not reach Multan to play the second match.

Younis also remained away from Multan. However, all three have the chances to get the selectors’ nod because of their seniority.