Inzamam denies rift with Shoaib

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, has denied all speculation that Shoaib Akhtar's exclusion from the touring squad to South Africa had anything to do with personal differences between the two.

The Pakistan media had reported an alleged rift shortly after the squad was announced, saying that Inzamam was unhappy when Shoaib was discussed at the selection committee meeting. Speaking to reporters prior to the team's departure for Johannesburg, Inzamam insisted that Shoaib was left out purely for cricketing reasons.

"I do not want to comment on this, but all that is being reported is not correct," said Inzamam. "The selectors feel he needs more time to regain match fitness and we are hoping he will join us for the one-day series in South Africa. Shoaib has not played cricket for the last three months, but I have no doubt that if he proves himself match fit after playing domestic cricket, he will get a chance to come back."

Looking ahead to the tour, Inzamam said he was happy with the composition of the team as Mohammad Asif returns to boost the pace-bowling department. Asif is one among five fast bowlers in the 17-member squad.

"The selectors have picked a balanced squad particularly in the pace department," said Inzamam. "We are up to the task and know how important this tour is for us. I am confident that the team will do well and be ready for the World Cup."

Both Asif and Shoaib got their drugs bans overturned by a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tribunal, making them eligible for selection. While only Asif made the cut to the Test squad, Shoaib was on the list of reserves submitted by the PCB and was in the preliminary one-day squad. Cricket South Africa clarified that it had no objections to either of them being selected.

The tour kicks off with a three-day warm-up match at Kimberley on Saturday before the first Test at Centurion on January 11.