Inzy will be missed, says Pak manager

Lahore, Oct 5 (UNI) Pakistan team's manager Talat Ali Malik has admitted that banned skipper Inzamam-ul Haq would be sorely missed in the Champions Trophy in India as the Multan player is the best that the side had in its batting line-up.

''Inzamam is not only a good leader but the best player of the team and he is also a world class batsman and his absence will be definitely felt in the tournament,'' Malik was quoted by the 'Associated Press of Pakistan' as saying on the first day of a three-day camp at the NCA ground.

On Pakistan's prospects at the big event, Malik said despite Inzamam's absence, the team has the balance to outplay the other competitors and claim the trophy.

''In one-day cricket maximum partnerships are necessary to accelerate the run-rate which at the end set a daunting target for the rivals and I firmly believe our batsmen are capable of doing so,'' he said.

Malik said Inzamam's four-match ban would affect the team only in the initial stages and if the team manages to get through that, the burly right-hander would be in contention for the final in case of any injury to any of the squad members.

''We will be playing four matches en route to the final and if we win all of them then we move to the final. And at that stage if there is an injury problem to any player then we can replace him with Inzamam as by that time his four match ban will be over,'' he said.

Pakistan will depart for India on Saturday.

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