Several Pak players leave for Haj

KARACHI: The growing inclination of Pakistani cricketers towards religion has led to an increased number of former and present players leaving for Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf are leaving for Jeddah on Tuesday, while former cricketers Rashid Latif and Jalaluddin have already gone for the holy trip.

Many of them left after playing in the domestic Twenty-20 competition.

"Afridi and Yousuf will leave on Tuesday with a group that includes former opener Saeed Anwar," Karachi coach Sagheer Abbas said.

Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq are expected to leave for Saudi Arabia soon.

These players will miss the short conditioning camp beginning on Tuesday in Lahore for the probables of the South Africa tour.

"Conditioning camp would be held without coach Bob Woolmer and the team's support staff as they have gone to South Africa for Christmas celebration and whoever is available will report to the camp for training," Pakistan Cricket Board Media manager Ehsan Malik said.