Speaking to PakPassion.net team manager Naveed Akram Cheema stated that Irfan was fit and ready to take his place in the starting line up in Kolkata despite appearing to strain his hamstring in the first one day international in Chennai.

By Saj Sadiq (1st January 2013)

According to the team management, pace bowler Mohammad Irfan is not an injury concern ahead of the second One Day International in Kolkata which is due to be played on Thursday.

Speaking to PakPassion.net team manager Naveed Akram Cheema stated that Irfan was fit and ready to take his place in the starting line up in Kolkata despite appearing to strain his hamstring in the first one day international in Chennai.

Irfan has had an immediate impact on the tour of India and after impressing during the two match T20I series he and Shoaib Malik were retained for the 3 match one day series. 

The 7 foot 1" pace bowler took 1 for 58 from 7 overs in Kolkata, despite bowling a second spell when appearing to be struggling with his fitness.

However Cheema confirmed that Irfan was not an injury concern and was in contention for a place at Eden Gardens.

"It was a minor strain and he is fine. It wasn't a serious injury and he came off the field in Chennai as a precaution. He did the right thing by coming off the field so the physio could examine him and assess the injury. But we've had a closer look at it and he is fine."

Cheema also confirmed that there were no other injury concerns in the Pakistan squad ahead of the crucial ODI in Kolkata and that the playing eleven would be finalised after taking a close look at the wicket on match day.

Pakistan leads the three match one day series, Kolkata hosts the second ODI, with Delhi being the host for the final one day international on Sunday.

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