Bangladesh pacers cleared for Champions Trophy

DHAKA, Sep 30 (Reuters) Bangladesh pace bowlers Mashrafe Mortaza and Syed Rasel have recovered from injury and are clear to play in next month's ICC Champions Trophy in India.

Mashrafe and Rasel had been doubtful for the tournament after picking up injuries two weeks ago but both have made good progress, chief selector Faruk Ahmed told a news conference today.

''We have got a positive report from the team physio on Rasel.

Hopefully he will be okay before our first match against Sri Lanka on October 7 at Mohali,'' he said.

The pair will also play against West Indies and Zimbabwe in their remaining two qualifying games. Two teams will qualify for the main event, which takes place between October 15 and November 5.

''We don't like to target any particular opponents. Rather we will be looking to win all three qualifying games,'' coach Dav Whatmore said.

Bangladesh, due to leave for India tomorrow, will play a warm-up match against a Punjab team at Chundrigar on October 5.

REUTERS AB BD1526