Pakistan A squad announced

Pakistan have named a strong A team squad to face its England and Sri Lankan counterparts in the triangular tournament at Colombo, which begins on March 20. It is captained by Misbah-ul-Haq and contains nine players with international experience.

Mohammed Asif, the promising 22-year-old fast bowler, who made his Test debut against Australia at Sydney in January forms a strong group of quick bowlers, which also includes Shahid Nazir, Riaz Afridi and Scotland's overseas player, Yasir Arafat. The batting looks equally powerful, containing Hasan Raza, Wajahatullah Wasti and Faisal Iqbal along with the captain Misbah who has played five Tests.

A conditioning camp will be organised in Lahore for March 9-13 so the squad can prepare for the tournament before travelling to Sri Lanka, but some of the players may be released to play in the Patron's Trophy semi-finals, which begin on March 11.

England are warming up for the tournament in the UAE and play two four-day games against Sri Lanka A before the triangular tournament starts. Sri Lanka have yet to name their squad for the series.

Pakistan A squad Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Hasan Raza, Faisal Athar, Wajahatullah Wasti, Ashar Zaidi, Bazid Khan, Aamer Bashir, Faisal Iqbal, Farhan Adil, Tahir Khan, Imran Tahir, Zulqarnain Haider, Yasir Arafat, Abdur Rauf, Shahid Nazir, Mohammad Asif, Riaz Afridi.