Pakistan XI to face Asian stars in Saudi Arabia cricket showcase by AFP

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Player:

Inzamam-ul-Haq

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DateLine: 23rd May 2006

 

Inzamam-ul Haq will lead a Test-strength Pakistan XI against an Asian XI for two exhibition matches in Saudi Arabia in an effort to promote the game there, organisers said Tuesday.

 

The matches will be played at Al-Ahli stadium in Jeddah on artificial turf. Officials said full houses are expected for both ties.

 

The matches are supported by the Saudi Cricket Center, formed by expatriates from Pakistan and India, it is hoping Asia's top cricketers will convince the government and locals that interest in the sport is growing in the kingdom.

 

Pakistan's team is essentially the first Test eleven, with stars like Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Imran Farhat, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Sami all set to play.

 

Pakistan are currently resting ahead of a tour of England starting late June, which comprises four Tests and five one-day matches.

 

Four Sri Lankans and four Bangladeshis join five Indians to form the Asian XI, which will be led by Indian Test batsman Venkatsai Laxman.

 

The team also includes fallen India star Ajay Jadeja, who has served a five-year ban imposed for match fixing in 2000.

 

Pakistan XI: Inzamam-ul Haq (capt), Imran Farhat, Salman Butt, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Arshad Khan, Mohammad Sami, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria.

 

Asian XI: Venkatsai Laxman (capt), Gautum Gambhir, Ajay Jadeja, Shahadat Hossain, Venkatpathy Raju, Waseem Jaffer, Shahriar Nafees, Roshan Mahanama, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Kumar Dharmasena, Dilhara Fernando, Mohammad Rafique, Aftab Ahmed.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)