Announcement of Pakistan team today: Doubts linger over Moin and Saqlain

Islamabad, March 3: The three-member selection committee will meet in Peshawar tomorrow (Saturday) to finalise Pakistan team for the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka starting on Sunday (March 5).

Doubts lingered over the fitness of vice-captain Moin Khan and off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq as both players have not declared their fitness to the selectors as yet.

Sources told Dawn that the selectors will be opting for five recognised bowlers, five batsmen and a wicket-keeper for the second Test. All-rounder Shahid Afridi is tipped to replace Wajahatullah Wasti. While rest of the batting line-up will include skipper Saeed Anwar, Aamir Sohail, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Yousuf Youhana.

Abdur Razzaq and Waqar Younis are set to retain their slots in the bowling department while Shoaib Akhtar is set to make a comeback after fitness and disciplinary problems in the one-day series. Decision over the fifth bowler and wicket-keeper will be made on Saturday.

As regards to for a replacement for Saqlain, the selectors had asked off-spinner Arshad Khan to join the team in Peshawarlate on Friday evening. Arshad has been one of the probables under training at KRL Ground, Rawalpindi.

Sources maintained that the selectors have contacted uncapped wicket-keeper Atiq-uz-Zaman, who was in Karachi at the time of filing this report. Rashid Latif was also contacted by chief selector Wasim Bari.

Skipper Saeed Anwar told Dawn on Friday that Moin will be fit to play. He said that although the MRI tests and doctors' reports suggest rest but the wicket-keeper will be in the playing XI.

It may be added here that Moin has been advised orthopaedic surgery by Dr G.M. Shah after the MRI tests in Lahore. He was still in Lahore and is expected to reach Peshawar on Saturday. Pacer Wasim Akram has already been ruled out of the second Test according to the reports of the physio Dr Riaz Ahmed.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia, the PCB ad hoc committee chairman, and the Advisory panel held a meeting at Mangla on Friday. All the members of the board except Wasim Azhar werepresent at the meeting.

It was learnt that only general topics, including the designation of roles to PCB officials, appointment of coach,future cricket itinerary of Pakistan team were discussed, however, no official statement was made in this regard.