Pakistan pick 30 for 2003 World Cup

Pakistan launched its World Cup 2003 preparation campaign on Thursday by announcing a pool of 30 players and handing over the names to coach Richard Pybus, reports SADA news agency.

"We have handed over the names to Pybus, who will take them to the 2003 World Cup," Pakistan Cricket Board media manager Khalid Butt said.

Surprisingly, ace pacer Wasim Akram's name is also included in the pool.

"Pybus has given a document to all these players which includes training schedules and all the programme of Pakistan team's commitment until the World Cup," he said.

South Africa hosts the 2003 World Cup in February-March. Pakistan will tour Sharjah for a tri-series in November and then tour Bangladesh in December-January to play two Tests and a possible tri-nation series also involving India.

Pakistan then hosts the West Indies in February-March, play in Sharjah in April and host Australia in September 2002.

"Besides the senior team's programme, we have also chalked out a comprehensive programme for Pakistan 'A' team so that if any player gets unfit from the pool of 30, good performers in the 'A' team matches will take over," he said.

The Pakistan 'A' team is scheduled to play a tri-series in Sharjah along with the 'A' teams of India and Sri Lanka.

Australia 'A' is also scheduled to tour Pakistan in November next year. Pakistan has also launched a comprehensive programme for its under-19 team to tune up for the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand next year.

Indo-Asian News Service