KARACHI, March 4: Rao Iftikhar, the 23-year-old uncapped fast-medium bowler, is likely to be included in the 16-man Pakistan squad for the first two games of the five-match One-day International series against India.

After an outstanding performance this season, Rao Iftikhar is being rewarded for taking 41 wickets in the Patron's Trophy for ZTBL - the side which won the tournament under his captaincy.

Another paceman who is hotly tipped to make the final squad is Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan, who claimed the most wickets in the Patron's Trophy this season - 42 at 22.02 for Wapda. He has played in two ODIs at Sharjah in 2002-03.

Saqlain Mushtaq, the off-spinner largely ignored by the previous selection committee, is also assured a berth in the final squad. Shahid Afridi, the enigmatic all-rounder, is almost certain to be recalled after a year in the wilderness.

At the same time, the selectors may overlook the claims of opening batsman Imran Nazir for 'indifferent form' during practice games in Lahore during the camp.

Afridi's inclusion is paramount since Pakistan are considering playing six specialist bowlers to combat India's powerful batting. In addition, the 24-year-old is an outstanding fielder.

Shabbir Ahmed, who was reported for suspect bowling action, is also an automatic selection after taking corrective measures with Australian bowling coach Daryl Foster.

The likely 16: Inzamam-ul-Haq (captain), Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Shahid Afridi, Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Moin Khan (wicket-keeper), Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed, Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan, Rao Iftikhar and Misbah-ul-Haq.