Inzy's fitness a matter of concern for Pak

PCB is worried over the long-term fitness prospects of captain Inzamam-ul Haq.

Pakistan Cricket Board is confident about Inzamam-ul Haq recovering in time for the one-day series against India, but is worried over his long-term fitness prospects.

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The Pakistani skipper has been troubled by a recurring back problem and PCB is keen that Inzamam plan out a rehabilitation programme with an eye on the 2007 World Cup.

"We are confident he will play in the one-day series against India, but we are also looking at avenues to find a long-lasting treatment for him," a top PCB official said.

"He is a key player for us and his fitness is of paramount importance until the 2007 World Cup. Perhaps it is time that he plan his schedule carefully if the problem persists," the official was quoted as saying by local daily The News.

The 35-year-old Multan batsman was forced to miss the third and final Test against India due to the back problem.

The official said the possibility of sending Inzamam abroad to consult foreign orthopedic specialists was something the Board had thought about.

"It is an option we are thinking about and which we can always use in case the back problem gets worse," he said.

The Board official, however, pointed out that since the back problem recurred due to too much travelling, Inzamam will have to look at all his future commitments and plan accordingly.

"With rest his problem gets better and he recovers but the moment he travels a lot, it remerges and this is disturbing for us," the official added.