We will miss Shoaib, Asif: Inzy

Montego Bay, Mar 12 (UNI) Skipper Inzamam-ul Haq admitted that Paksitan will miss Shoaib Akhtar and Mohd Asif during the World Cup but maintained that his team was capable of winning even without the pacer duo.

''Yes, we will miss them (Shoaib and Asif),'' Inzamam said here yesterday.

''But now that they are not here, we have to move on. We have played and won without Shoiab in the past while Asif has started playing for the country only one year back,'' said Inzamam, addressing reporters in Urdu as per Pakistan board's new dictum.

Paksitan take on hosts West Indies in the opening match of the showpiece event tomorrow. Dope-tainted Shoaib Akhtar and Mohd Asif were ruled out from the world cup squad on fitness grounds amid speculation that they were tested positive again.

''We waited for too long for them to get fit but when the doctors realised that they will not be in a position to play in this tournament, we asked for their replacements. Now we are focused and concentrating on the matches we have to play. We know there are lots of expectations from us back home and we will try to live up to them,'' Inzy said.

Meanwhile the Paksitan skipper described Australia the favourites to retain the title but added that his team was also well prepared for the big challenge.

''I will rate Australia the favourites despite their recent none too impressive performances. It is still a very balanced and solid side.

''We have also prepared well for the tournament, all the batsmen are in good nick and bowlers are also geared up for the occasion,'' he said.

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