Pakistan will send a team for next weekend's New T&T/Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Sixes, and they will be led by recuperating Test captain Wasim Akram.
Organisers had toyed with the idea of inviting an Asian All-Star team if they could not confirm a top-quality Pakistani side. But yesterday they revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board had announced a strong lineup, including Akram and former opening batsman Aamir Sohail.
A statement issued by the organisers yesterday said: 'In light of the strength of the Pakistan team, it is now not worth pursuing an Asian All- Star team.' Organisers had been trying to line up Sri Lankan stars Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Pakistanis Akram and Sohail in the Asian All-Stars team.
One of the world's top fast bowlers, Akram is currently recovering from an operation on a shoulder injury. The left-arm fast bowler has missed nearly all of this English county season for Lancashire, but they have still kept faith with him by signing him on for next year.
With only one overseas player allowed, Lancashire have thus dropped out of the race to sign Australian leg spinner Shane Warne.
The presence of Akram will add extra spice to the Sixes. He has made it clear that he wants to play in the Sixes as part of his comeback plans.