LONDON, Jan 16: English county champions Sussex will have to begin the defence of their title without former star Pakistan's spin bowler Mushtaq Ahmed. The evergreen leg-spinner, who took 102 wickets in 2006 Championship, will be at 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean in his role as Pakistan assistant coach.

Pace bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is also certain to be involved with Pakistan squad.

Sussex begin their season against MCC on 13 April and play their first Championship game on April 18, with World Cup final not until April 28.

Professional Cricket Manager Mark Robinson insisted there was enough strength in depth at Hove to cover for absentees, even though Pakistan duo took 137 wickets between them last season.—Agencies