Pakistan given go-ahead to replace injured Cup players

KARACHI, Feb 12 (Reuters) Pakistan will announce its 15-man World Cup squad tomorrow after being assured by the International Cricket Council (ICC) it can seek replacements for any injured players, an official said.

Chief selector Wasim Bari, who will return from South Africa after consultations with captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and coach Bob Woolmer, will name the squad despite fitness problems with leading bowlers.

''We have spoken to the ICC and they have said if any of our selected players are not cleared fit we can seek a replacement from the technical committee before the World Cup,'' Saleem Altaf, director of cricket operations, told Reuters today.

Pakistan is facing fitness issues with four of its leading pacers; Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Shabbir Ahmed and Mohammad Sami.

Shoaib, Gul and Shabbir were forced to return home from South Africa due to their injury problems while Sami is still with the team struggling with a back twinge.

Shoaib has also complained of a new knee problem and Altaf said if he was not fit he would not go to the World Cup.

Clause 6.5 of the Participating Nations Agreement for the World Cup states that after Feb 13 players can be replaced only in accordance with the World Cup Technical Committee and Medical Regulations.

If after Mar 2, the WICB Medical Committee certifies that the player is injured under the medical regulations and a team management applies for a replacement, he can be replaced only with approval of the Technical Committee.

Altaf said under these regulations, a team can include a player who has a pre-existing injury and replace him later on.

''We didn't get an extension from the ICC for delaying our squad so we have to go ahead now and hope for the best,'' said Altaf.

REUTERS DH PM1336