Pakistan names squad for Indian tour

Pakistan will play a series of two Test matches. They will also participate in the first ever Asian Test championship during the month-long tour scheduled to begin January 21, their first to India in 12 years.

The opening Test of the championship will be played between Pakistan and India in Calcutta. India will then play Sri Lanka in Colombo and Pakistan will play against Sri Lanka either in Lahore or Karachi in the championship.

Pakistan will later return to India to play a limited overs three nation tournament also involving Sri Lanka in March-April.

``We have announced a balanced squad for the tour after much deliberations and took captain Wasim Akram's advice,'' Bari said.

``Amer Sohail did not attend the camp and told the Board that he was not fit so his name was not considered.''

Javed Miandad will accompany the sqaud as coach and Mian Mohammad Munir will be manager.

``I am fully satisfied with the team and, Inshallah (God willing), we will win the series,'' Bari said.

The team comprises four openers, with Peshawar-born 22-year-old Wajahatullah as the only uncapped player. The team has three fast bowlers in Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhter and allrounder Azhar Mahmood.

Pakistan Squad:

Wasim Akram (captain), Moin Khan (vice captain), Saeed Anwer, Mohammad Naveed, Wajahatullah, Shahid Afridi, Ejaz Ahmed, Salim Malik, Yousuf Yohanna, Azhar Mahmood, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhter, Mushtaq Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq and Nadeem Khan

Reserves: Asif Mujataba, Rashid Latif and Shahid Nazir