ISLAMABAD, July 11: Pakistan have been drawn to play hosts United Arab Emirates on the opening day of the 9th Al-Rashid International Volleyball Championship in Dubai on Wednesday.

The national spikers are in Pool A which also has their arch-rivals India and France. The other pool comprises Iran, Oman, UAE Jnrs and Slovenia.

Led by Muhammad Zaman, Pakistan will face India on Friday with France taking on the UAE.

The tournament will be the first international assignment for Pakistan's new Bulgarian coach Strahil Pantchev Balov.

The squad: Muhammad Zaman (captain), Imran Ali, Kashif Mansoor, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Mohaib Rasool, Naseer Ahmed, Zaheer Abbas, Zaheer Khan, Ismail Khan, Bakht Rasal, Ali Abbas, Muhammad Tariq Waseem.

Officials: Zafar Abbas (chef-de-mission), Muhammad Shahid Kamal (assistant manager), Strahil Pantchev Balov (head coach), Muhammad Ashraf (assistant coach).