Misbah says Pak has no `favourites` in Champions Trophy

Karachi: Pakistan Test and one-day captain Misbah-ul Haq has said that there are no favourites for their squad for winning the last edition of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, to held in June in England and Wales.

Pakistan, who will play two one-day games each against Scotland and Ireland before competing in the Champions Trophy, did not select all-rounder Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan, while spearhead Umar Gul was ruled out with a knee injury. They are in group B along with arch-rivals India, the West Indies and South Africa while holders Australia, England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand form group A. Stating that Pakistan has a talented and a balanced squad, Misbah further said that if all the players play their roles accordingly, then they are sure to win the eight-nation tournament, adding that they have selected a squad specifically for English conditions. According to Misbah, the team has a strong bowling attack, with world-class spinners and quality pace bowlers in Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan. Agreeing with Misbah, head coach Dav Whatmore also said the team will aim for the title, adding that the team has prepared well for the event. Pakistan also has off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman while opener Mohammad Hafeez also bowls off-spin, the report added. ANI