Younis non-committal on Asif''s in Champions Trophy

KARACHI: Pakistan Captain Younis Khan was noncommittal about the selection of pace bowler Muhammad Asif for the upcoming Champions Trophy in South Africa next month.

The elite eight-nation competition will be played in South Africa from September 22 to October 5.

"Asif has to prove his form and fitness after long lay-off and after one-year ban," he told reporters on Friday at the residence of Sindh Sports Minister and KCCA President Muhammad Ali Shah.

Muhammad Asif completed one-year ban following positive dope test while appearing for in Indian Premier League. PCB submitted his name among the preliminary list of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy.

He said a one-week training camp of the team will be conducted either in Karachi or Lahore in Ramzan-ul-Mubarik to prepare the team in build-up for the Champions Trophy.

Commenting on the selection of Javed Miandad as Pakistan team''s batting consultant, he welcomed his appointment. "He (Miandad) got a wealth of knowledge about batting and can help batsmen to overcome their problems," he said.

He also said Pakistan team can also benefit from former test opener Saeed Anwar and from ex-test fast bowler Waqar Younis.

"I have no issue with any one since it will be in the interest Pakistan team and the country," he commented.

He said he can sideline experienced players like Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq without providing them full opportunities.

Younis Khan said he will be leaving for London on fund-raiser tour on Saturday for a charity organisation.