Pakistan have announced a star studded side for the Hong Kong Sixes tournament in November.

The team, captained by wicket-keeper Rashid Latif, includes former skipper Wasim Akram, Shahid Afridi, Abdur Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood and Shoaib Malik.

Pakistan, who won the title in 1997, the last time it was held, are now considered hot favourites for the tournament.

Mike Walsh, chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association, said: "It is a very strong and talented side and they are the team to beat at the tournament.

"Six of this team will be playing in the one-day tournament in Sharjah against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe before arriving in Hong Kong and they will be match hardened."

Pakistan have drawn England, Australia and the United Emirates in their preliminary group.

England have also picked a strong side, including the hard hitting trio of Matthew Maynard, Ben Hollioake and Andrew Flintoff.

Australia, however, have seemingly snubbed the popular event, which offers the winners USD 80,000 in prize money, with the selection of a squad bordering on the geriatric.

Their squad includes former captain Kim Hughes, 47, who retired from first-class cricket over a decade ago, plus fellow retirees Dean Jones and Craig McDermott.

The Australians are the exception, though, as other group - which includes South Africa, Sri Lanka, India and Kong Kong – is packed full of international stars.

India will be led by Robin Singh and include Ajit Agarkar, Hemang Badani, Sunil Joshi, and Reetinder Singh Sodhi.

Fast bowler, Henry Williams, makes a comeback after his international ban for match-fixing, in the South African squad, which is to be captained by Jonty Rhodes.

Chandika Hathurusinghe will a strong Sri Lankan team that includes all-rounders Dulip Liyanage and Upul Chandana.

The top two teams after the preliminary round robin competition in each group will advance to the Cup competition.

The two-day tournament starts on November 10.

© CricInfo