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All-rounder Azhar Mahmood has been added to Pakistan’s reserves for the World Cup starting in the West Indies next month after clearance from the ICC.

National selector Iqbal Qasim said on Wednesday that Azhar had been included in place of uncapped spinner Mansoor Amjad as cover for pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif.

All three will undergo fitness tests this month and, if required, can be replaced in the squad from the shortlist of players.

Azhar, 31, was called up to join the Pakistan team in South Africa as a reinforcement for the one-dayers after being

sidelined for two years. He was dropped for the final one-dayer on Wednesday after playing in the previous three.

Saleem Altaf, PCB’s director of cricket operations, said Umar Gul had been advised to take two weeks rest for an ankle injury while Asif had complained of an elbow problem.

“Shoaib will be returning from London this week after getting a second opinion on his knee injury. We don’t as yet know if he requires a surgery,” he said.
Source:The News