Asif pulls out of India ODI series

Lahore, Nov. 1 (UNI) Pakistan suffered a severe jolt even before the start of their India tour with fast bowler Mohammad Asif pulling out of the five-match ODI series because of elbow injury.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to reach New Delhi this evening for the month long Indian tour to play five ODIs and three Test matches.

Pakistan Cricket Board is yet to make an official announcement on Asif's replacement.

''Asif had informed the board he had not made a complete recovery from the injury. He is not leaving with the team today,'' PCB Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi told a news conference.

''It was his decision and for the time being we are announcing no replacement for him,'' he added.

Asif damaged his elbow during the second Test against South Africa here last month and had to miss four of the five one-day matches.

He first picked up an elbow injury during the tour of South Africa earlier this year and was also ruled out of the World Cup in the West Indies.

The India series begins with the first ODI at Guwahati on November 5.

UNI