Pakistan team leave for Abu Dhabi tomorrow

KARACHI: The newly-shaped Pakistan team under their new skipper Shoaib Malik will leave for Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (May 16) to play three one-dayers against World Cup’s finalists, Sri Lanka.

A Pakistan Cricket Board official said here on Monday that the team is all set to depart for the series to be played from May 18 to 22. The squad that is currently undertaking a conditioning camp at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore will take with the team two rookie players in talented all-rounder Fawad Alam and Najaf Shah.

Pacer Mohammad Asif who is making his return in international cricket after missing the World Cup due to elbow injury is the new vice captain. This will be Pakistan’s first assignment after their poor show in the March-April World Cup in the Caribbean where it became the first team to make exit from the quadrennial event after losing to hosts West Indies and minnows Ireland.

Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by the team’s manager cum coach Talat Ali, the team will have a rest day on Tuesday and the players will undergo only fitness exercise, gym and swimming routines.

The final session of nets will be held on Wednesday from 8am to 10am while the pre-departure media briefing featuring captain Shoaib Malik and the manager will be held at 10:30am at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.