Pathan to play in World Cup

Irfan Pathan, the Indian allrounder, will after all travel to the West Indies for the World Cup, Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of selectors, confirmed in Ahmedabad today. Vengsarkar, along with two other national selectors, watched Pathan's performance for West Zone in their Deodhar Trophy match against Central Zone.

"There are no alterations in the 15-member World Cup squad," Vengsarkar told reporters. Under pressure to prove his form and fitness for the World Cup, Pathan conceded 48 off his 8.4 overs and took two late wickets.

Vengsarkar reasoned that it was too early to gauge Pathan's fitness on the basis of just one match. Pathan was part of the original 15-member squad but the selectors sprung a surprise when they warned that Pathan's selection wasn't guaranteed if his fitness wasn't upto scratch.

"Irfan has not played for the last one month and needs to bowl more" Vengsarkar said. "There is not much time left for the World Cup and Pathan will be bowling in the nets and will also be playing in the warm-up matches before the World Cup begins."