Dawn Pakistan's most widely circulated English language newspaper.

Raja, Malik still missing from camp

By Our Sports Reporter

31 August 1997


KARACHI, Aug 30: Autograph hunters had a busy day at the National Stadium where the training camp of the Pakistan cricket team was held on Saturday.

No less than 500 spectators watched their stars prepare themselves for the gruelling forthcoming commitments, including eight one-day internationals against India.

However, more than 100 autograph hunters managed to enter the arena but waited patiently for their heroes to complete their work-outs before pressing them for signatures. The cricketers also responded in a gentlemanly manner by obliging most of their fans.

Meanwhile, Shahid Nazir on Saturday arrived to attend the training camp in an effort to impress the selectors and coach with his fitness. Nazir bowled briefly and looked better but not fully fit. Dr Dan Keisal said Nazir, who is struggling with an elbow injury in the bowling arm, will require another three days to regain complete fitness. With the inclusion of Nazir, the tally of probables rose to 10 with Salim Malik, Ramiz Raja and Ijaz Ahmad still missing and Saqlain Mushtaq playing for Surrey in the English county championships.

Raja and Ijaz are in England and there was no word about their expected arrival while sources said Salim Malik is nursing his ailing father. However, the officials were unaware of the absence of the three batsmen. The training camp was held in two sessions. In the morning, physical training was done while in the evening, nets and fielding sessions were conducted.

The camp will be held on Sunday in two sessions.


Source: Dawn
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Date-stamped : 25 Feb1998 - 14:49