Shabbir blow for Pakistan

Azhar gets his chance to shine in the ICC Champions Trophy

Pakistan have called all-rounder Azhar Mahmood into their ICC Champions Trophy squad to replace injured fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed.

Shabbir has been declared unfit to take part in the tournament, which starts next week, because of a torn cartilage.

According to the doctors it may take at least six weeks for Shabbir to recover from his knee injury.

Azhar is already in England, where the event is being staged, playing county cricket with Surrey.

Pakistan team management had to seek the International Cricket Council's approval for the replacement of Shabbir which was granted on medical grounds.

"It is an unfortunate injury because Shabbir is one of our more improved bowlers.

"He will return home soon to have treatment for his injury, which we hope is not serious," said Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Abbas Zaidi.

Azhar, who last played for his country in January, has played in 134 one-day internationals, scoring 1,435 runs and taking 121 wickets.