LAHORE, July 5: Pace spearheads Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul are unlikely to be included for the proposed three-nation Twenty20 tournament, expected to feature West Indies, Bangladesh and Pakistan, to be held in Toronto in the mid of August.

Reliable sources said though Shoaib had been temporarily allowed through a court’s order to play for Pakistan, after his 18-month ban was suspended, his chances to get a place in the team were remote since he had to approve his match-fitness, and there was no domestic cricket till August.

Asif’s chances are not bright as well. The lanky paceman has to face a PCB in-house inquiry over his detention at the Dubai airport last month for allegedly carrying a banned substance in his wallet. The inquiry is to start after the Asia Cup ends.

Umar is also not available due to his rib injury he suffered during the Asia Cup. Presently, he is on a two-week rest, but sources said he might not be considered for the event to avoid any further fitness problem.

—Sports Reporter

Opinion

Editorial

Court in crisis
Updated 30 Jan, 2025

Court in crisis

There is increasing frustration over complications created by the law, especially as it has begun interfering with independent functioning of judiciary.
Death blow
30 Jan, 2025

Death blow

JOURNALISTS took to the streets in protest; human rights groups warned against the dangers; and digital rights...
Enhanced inclusivity
30 Jan, 2025

Enhanced inclusivity

TWO fresh initiatives involving new features in people’s CNICs should help enhance inclusivity for special ...
PTI no-show
Updated 29 Jan, 2025

PTI no-show

There is growing impression that an entire country is being held hostage by the egos of a few powerful individuals.
A second Nakba?
29 Jan, 2025

A second Nakba?

WHILE candidate Trump was able to get away with making outrageous statements on the campaign trail, what President...
Cricket spin
29 Jan, 2025

Cricket spin

PAKISTAN seemed to have found the blueprint for Test success at home: raging turners that had brought three wins in ...