Mahmood included in Pakistan World Cup reserves

KARACHI, Feb 14 (Reuters) All rounder Azhar Mahmood has been added to Pakistan's reserves for the World Cup starting in West Indies next month after clearance from the International Cricket Council.

National selector Iqbal Qasim told Reuters today Mahmood had been included in place of uncapped spinner Mansoor Amjad as cover for pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif.

All three will undergo fitness tests this month and, if required, can be replaced in the squad from the shortlist of players.

Mahmood, 31, was called up to join the Pakistan team in South Africa as a reinforcement for the one-dayers after being sidelined for two years.

He was dropped for the final one-dayer on Wednesday after playing in the previous three.

Saleem Altaf, Pakistan's director of cricket operations, said Umar Gul had been advised to take two weeks' rest for an ankle injury while Asif had complained of an elbow problem.

''Akhtar will be returning from London this week after getting a second opinion on his knee injury. We don't as yet know if he requires a surgery,'' he said.

Reuters DH DB2114