Pak Test squad to be named on Feb 18

A 16-member Pakistan team for the three-Test series against India will be announced on February 18, chairman of selectors Wasim Bari said on Monday.

"We will announce a 16-member team on February 18 after following normal procedures, including discussions with the team management on the possible shape of the squad for the Tests," Bari said.

Bari, a former Pakistan captain, also said that before finalising the India-bound team, the selectors would certainly like to listen to the team management's point of view on the Australian tour.

He did not elaborate further but it is believed that the selectors are peeved over the team management's selections and continuous shuffling in the batting order during the series Down Under.

Asked to comment on the Indian squad, he said it is a good all-round team with a balanced bowling attack.

"I don't think they would rely only on spinners because now they have a good pace attack as well. But we will include two spinners for the tour," he said.

While Danish Kaneria is a certain selection, the fight for the other spinner's slot is between veteran Arshad Khan and uncapped Tahir Khan.

Uncapped duo of Faisal Athar (Hyderabad opener) and Aamir Bashir (Multan's middle-order batsman) are also strong contenders given their domestic performances.

On Shoaib Akhtar, who has been charged of violating his contract on four accounts, Bari said, "the green signal will have to come from the Board on Shoaib Akhtar."

The Pakistan Cricket Board recently staged a four-day match at Lahore and plans to have another one-dayer at the Gaddafi Stadium on February 17 but Bari insisted that these should not be viewed as trial matches.

"These are routine matches in which the youngsters and domestic performers have been provided with an opportunity to play with the best," he said.