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Published 07 Aug, 2008 12:00am

Afridi likely to play one trial match

LAHORE, Aug 6: Flamboyant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is likely to play in one of the two trial matches that will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The trial games are being arranged to select the final national squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy.

Earlier, Afridi, who has been recovering from a wrist pain, had decided not to play in any trial game, though he had expressed his availability for the Champions Trophy.

Sources said, Afridi was feeling good and now he might be in Lahore to play in any of the trial matches.

The first trial match was cancelled on Tuesday due to heavy rain. As forecast is there for more rains in the coming days, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had said the remaining two matches may be held on Aug 8 and 10 or Aug 9 and 11.

Meanwhile, the selectors are worried over the overcast condition in Lahore as they eagerly want to examine the match-fitness of Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul before giving them their nod in the 15-member squad, which is to be submitted to the ICC by Aug 12.

If no trial match is possible due to inclement weather, sources said both Shoaib and Umar will be selected in the squad, with a condition to prove their fitness.

Shoaib, who was selected in the list of probables for the trial matches after almost nine months in wilderness due to disciplinary issues, is a strong candidate for selection.

Umar has also been out of action since late June after suffering a rib injury during an Asia Cup match against India in Karachi.

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