Injuries may force Afridi to miss practice games

Lahore, Aug 2 (UNI) Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has said fitness problems may force all-rounder Shahid Afridi to miss a series of practice matches here next week.

The Karachi-based player has been advised a three-week rest by specialists which is why he might not play in the practice games to be played on August 5, 7 and 9, the official told 'The News'.

The games have been planned between leading Pakistani cricketers and second string players and will be watched by the national selection committee before it names Pakistan's 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy to be played from September 12 to 28.

Following an MRI report over his wrist problem, doctors at a local Karachi hospital advised Afridi a three-week rest.

The 28-year-old all-rounder has already been out of action for the last few weeks because of the injury and the illness of his wife.

However, a national selector said since Afridi is a senior player and figures in Pakistan's Champions Trophy plans, he could be selected in the final 15. But he added that the player would be asked to prove his fitness much before the Champions Trophy.

Afridi, has played 26 Tests and 265 One-day Internationals, scoring 1683 and 5479 runs respectively.

He also has 239 one-day and 47 Test wickets.

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