Malik set to back himself

Shoaib Malik lifts the Kitply Cup trophy for Pakistan

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik insists he is fit enough to bowl regularly in the Asia Cup.

Malik has been suffering from a sore shoulder and came in for severe criticism from Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf during the tri-series in Bangladesh for not bowling himself, despite claiming to be fully fit.

Pakistan named uncapped spinner Saeed Ajmal in their 15-member squad on Sunday, leading to more doubts over whether Malik would bowl in the tournament.

But Malik said: “I will bowl. I intend to use myself as an all-rounder.”

Malik added his team would have a slight edge as hosts, but does not believe it will be significant enough to make them clear favourites.

“We would have a slight edge as we would be playing at home,” he said.

“But then, conditions are pretty similar everywhere in the subcontinent, although they are better here than what we experienced in Bangladesh.

“There is a lot of expectation from people and that puts extra pressure on us.

“But we are professional and can handle it.”

In their final 15 for the tournament, Pakistan also named Shahid Afridi, who had been considered a doubt because of wrist injury.

Fast bowler Sohail Khan, who made his debut in the tri-series in Bangladesh, was not considered after he contracted malaria on Saturday.

His unavailability leaves Pakistan with only four fast bowlers in the squad: Umar Gul, Sohail Tanvir, Iftikhar Rao and the inexperienced Wahab Riaz.

Pakistan begin their campaign on Tuesday against Hong Kong, before taking on India in their second Group B fixture two days later.