PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
Pakistan team’s head coach and manager Akhtar Rasool was pleased after targets set for the first phase of the camp were achieved.
“It was a productive first phase of the camp,” Rasool told The Express Tribune. “We worked on various aspects that included fitness and skill enhancing drills. These were the main focus of the first phase. However, the players were also given match practice.”
Meanwhile, Rasool was hopeful regarding the squad’s performance in the upcoming world event.
“All the players have improved their fitness and they are in rhythm. The high altitude has also helped them to gain further strength.
“The presence of a high profile coaching team, which includes Hanif Khan and Tahir Zaman, has proven beneficial, and after the end of the first phase of the camp, I feel optimistic.”
Pakistan will face hosts Malaysia, Germany, England, and South Korea in the HWL that will be played from June 29 to July 7 in Johor Bahru. The event will also serve as qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in the Netherlands.
Final squad to be announced next week
The head coach said the second phase of the training camp will start on June 18 and will continue until the team’s departure for Malaysia.
“Also, the final squad is likely to be named on June 18. We’ll prefer fitness and current form irrespective of seniority of players before finalising the team.”
It should be mentioned that the team management recalled five senior players, including Mohammad Waseem and Shakeel Abbasi, who were rested during the Azlan Shah Cup in which the team finished last.
A few players from the Pakistan junior squad, which is currently touring Europe, will also be considered for selection.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 13th, 2013.
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