Pakistan plan to rotate their squad

Pakistan's top players will be rested on a rotation basis to keep them fit and focused ahead of next year's World Cup in the West Indies, according to their captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq.

"We have 75 playing days before the World Cup and the danger of losing some of our players to fatigue and fitness problems is real," Inzamam told Reuters. "That is why we have decided to adopt a rotation policy for the Tests and one-day internationals to preserve our players for the big tournament."

The decision comes in the aftermath of Shahid Afridi's shortlived "retirement" from Test cricket. He was eventually talked out of a hasty decision by his coach, Bob Woolmer, but his reasoning that there was too much international cricket and not enough down-time has clearly struck a chord with the Pakistan management.

Pakistan's next international assignment is a four-Test and five one-day assignment in England from June to September, before the ICC Champions Trophy in India in October and November.

They have three Tests and three one-dayers against West Indies at home in November and December, before taking on South Africa ahead of the World Cup.

"Players facing burn-out and fatigue due to the gruelling international calendar is a real issue," added Inzamam. "In the last few games you could see some of them dropping in their motivational levels, and we have to take steps to keep our best players available for the World Cup."

Inzamam, 36, has himself struggled with a back problem since the visit of England last November, and is keen to expand the experience of his squad so as to cover all eventualities ahead of next March.

"We will be looking at some new players in the training camp for England so that we have a wide base for selection for our rotation policy and for the World Cup."