August 12, 2008	Tuesday	Sha'aban 9, 1429

LAHORE, Aug 11: A 15-member Pakistan squad for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy will be announced here on Tuesday after the national selection committee took the input of both captain and coach on Monday.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from Sept 12.

The national selectors had a detail meeting with skipper Shoaib Malik and coach Geoff Lawson at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) prior to finalising the 15-member squad on Tuesday which is also the last date to submit it to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

It is likely that paceman Shoaib Akhtar will get a place in the team after a near nine-month absence from the international cricket due to disciplinary reasons.

It is learnt that Shoaib, who played both the practice matches held at Multan on Friday and Saturday, bowled with good speed and control to impress the selectors.

Sources, however, said the selectors are somewhat worried over the fitness level of medium-pacer Umar Gul, who has not been bowling since June 26 after suffering a rib injury in the Asia Cup match against India.

Similarly, all-rounder Shahid Afridi could not attend the trial matches at Multan due to wife’s illness. He had earlier missed the training camp at Kakul due to a wrist injury. Salman Butt also missed out the trial matches due to a recent appendicitis surgery. However, both the players are likely to be selected for the mega event.

Agencies add: It was also learnt that the national selection committee has asked the PCB to make it clear whether controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could be considered in the final squad for the Champions Trophy next month.

“The selectors have asked the Board to let them know the status about Shoaib, especially because of his existing dispute with the PCB over the payment of a seven million rupees fine imposed on him by the appellate tribunal in June,” said sources close to the board.

They added that the PCB is still keen on Shoaib to pay up the fine prior to his final selection. The controversial pacer has filed a writ petition in the Lahore High Court against the 18-month ban and fine imposed on him by the appellate tribunal.