Akhtar, Malik return to Pakistan fold for Asia Cup by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik
Event:	Asia Cup 2010

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DateLine: 3rd June 2010

 

The Pakistani selectors have included maverick paceman Shoaib Akhtar and former captain Shoaib Malik in the 15-man squad for the Asia Cup to be played in Sri Lanka later this month.

 

The 34-year-old Akhtar was found fit for the June 15-24 four-nation tournament after selectors and top Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials carried out checks on Wednesday.

 

The 28-year-old Malik had a one-year ban lifted last week, clearing his return to international cricket. He also passed a fitness test.

 

Pakistan, who have won the Asia Cup title only once, will face hosts and defending champions Sri Lanka on June 15 before taking on arch-rivals India on June 19 and Bangladesh on June 21. The final of the 10th Asia Cup will be held on June 24.

 

PCB said it will announce the squad for the tour of England after the Asia Cup match against India. Pakistan will play two Twenty20 and two Tests against Australia before taking on the hosts in four Tests, five one-day and two T20 matches.

 

Squad : Shahid Afridi (capt), Salman Butt (vice capt), Imran Farhat, Shahzaib Hasan, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman.