Pakistan to announce preliminary World Cup squad next week

Lahore, Jan 6 (UNI) Pakistan will announce their 30-member preliminary squad for the World Cup next week, after chief selector Wasim Bari returns from his Haj pilgrimage this weekend.

''We are more or less clear on what sort of pool to announce for the World Cup but would announce the provisional squad after a final round of discussion among the selection committee and the national team management,'' Pakistan Cricket Board Director Communications Dr Ahsan Malik told 'The News'.

All the participating nations are required to submit their list of probables by January 13 for the mega event to be held from March 13 to April 28 in the West Indies.

Dr Malik said the selection committee has already discussed the squad with coach Bob Woolmer and captain Inzamam-ul Haq and the announcement is likely to be made in the first half of the week.

The PCB official said some more discussions with Inzamam and Woolmer may also be done before finalising the squad.

''The list would be announced within a couple of days after the chief selector returns home,'' he said.

''The selectors might have a few discussions among each other and may also discuss the issue with Woolmer and Inzamam before naming the squad,'' he added.

UNI