Asif, Akhtar will be missed in Bangladesh: Yousuf

Senior Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf on Friday said the team would miss the pace duo of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif during the tri-series in Bangladesh.

Yousuf said although Pakistan had good back up talent in the pace department still Shoaib and Asif would be missed.

"Definitely their absence would be felt because they are quality bowlers and they operate well in tandem," Yousuf said as the team left for Dhaka this morning.

Shoaib is serving a five-year ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board while Asif was dropped from the squad after he was detained at the Dubai airport on Sunday for alleged possession of drugs.

"I just pray that Asif's issue is resolved soon and he returns home," Yousuf added. Yousuf, who hit two double hundreds for Lancashire in his short stint with the county, hoped to continue with his good show with the willow.

"This is one-day cricket. The requirements are different but hopefully I will be able to continue my good form for Pakistan because we have a hectic season coming up now."

The prolific batsman was refused permission by the Pakistan Board to continue playing for Lancashire and instead summoned him to be a part of the team for the tri-series, beginning on June 8.

The seasoned pro said the tournament would be a good learning experience for the young lot of players. "Senior players are used to the pressure and expectations when they play against India but for the new players it is the best grooming and learning experience," Yousuf said.