Pakistan await injury news

Shoaib Akhtar is a vital member of Pakistan's bowling attack

Pakistan depart for the World Cup on Thursday with a shadow still hanging over the fitness of their two key bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.

The pair are currently in London seeking medical attention, with Shoaib carrying a knee injury and Asif nursing a niggle in his elbow.

However, both are expected to be fit for the Caribbean showpiece, which gets under way in a fortnight.

Earlier on Tuesday, there was good and bad news for the team with Umar Gul declared fit, but all-rounder Abdul Razzaq ruled out of the tournament.

Azhar Mahmood has been called up as his replacement.
Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq brushed off suggestions that his team was underprepared, and was confident his two premier pacemen would be ready for battle in time.

He said: “Their injuries are not serious. They were only consulting with doctors in London to avoid further aggravation to the injuries.

“Their presence make my team a balanced outfit, capable of beating any team. In the past, playing at full strength, we won various matches, and I hope all the players will be available for this big event.”

Inzamam-ul-Haq may be moved up to open © Getty Images

Both will be given as much time as possible to prove their fitness.

Apart from their injury woes, the 1992 winners also have several problems with their opening duo.

Wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and Imran Nazir opened the batting on the tour to South Africa, with the former especially coming in for criticism due to his lack of runs, leaving many to suggest that the captain himself should take on the responsibility.

“It will not be a wise decision and I will prefer batting at number four in the World Cup,” said an adamant Inzamam, who is also desperate to rediscover his own form.

“I will try to score more and more runs to put my team in a winning position.”

Pakistan depart on Wednesday for Trinidad & Tobago, where they will play two warm-up games against Canada and South Africa respectively.

They then then move on to their base in Jamaica where they face hosts West Indies on March 13 in Group D, that also features Ireland and Zimbabwe.