Asif happy on getting Pakistan vice captaincy

Lahore, May 9 (UNI) Expressing happiness over his new role in the team, dope-tainted Pakistan vice-captain Mohammad Asif has said he would give his best in the forthcoming one-day series against Sri Lanka to help his side regain the lost pride in the aftermath of a disastrous World Cup campaign.

''I am happy to be named as vice-captain of the side and there will be no pressure on me after getting a vital place in the team as it will not harm my performance,'' Asif said.

The Pakistan Board appointed Asif as deputy to skipper Shoaib Malik for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi from May 18-22.

The right-arm fast bowler could not make it to the World Cup squad due to an elbow injury and so he is enthusiastic about the upcoming series against the Lankans.

''I am hundred per cent fit and eager to give my best in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka,'' he was quoted as saying by ''The News''.

The pakistani spearhead, who will be wearing the vice captaincy cap for the first time asked the team to come together and give their best shot so that they can regain the lost pride after the World Cup debacle.

''All the players have to show their performance in the coming series in order to get some respite after the World Cup,'' he said.

Pakistan had an unceremonious exit from the World Cup after they faced a shameful defeat at the hands of the minnows Ireland in the preliminary round.

UNI