Shoaib Akhtar picked in Asia Cup squad

Shoaib Akhtar has been picked in Pakistan's 14-member one-day squad for the Asia Cup, their first outing under their new coach Bob Woolmer. The squad is along expected lines, although Imran Nazir edged out Taufeeq Umar and Shahid Afridi for the opener's slot. The captain and vice-captain - Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana - retain their responsibilities.

Umar Gul, who was Pakistan's matchwinner in their second Test against India recently, has been left out of the side because his rehabilitation from injury is not yet complete. Pakistan's bowling attack contains all three of their vaunted fast bowlers - Shoaib, Mohammad Sami and Shabbir Ahmed. Naved-ul-Hasan, who bowls at a somewhat gentler pace, has also been called up. Abdul Razzaq gets a look-in, but not that other mercurial allrounder, Azhar Mahmood.

The squad
Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Shoaib Malik, Yousuf Youhana, Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Abdul Razzaq, Moin Khan (wk), Younis Khan, Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed, Shoaib Akhtar, Imran Nazir, Danish Kaneria, Naved-ul-Hasan.