KARACHI — Cricket's governing body Friday approved paceman Rahat Ali as a replacement player for injured Junaid Khan in Pakistan's squad for the World Cup, which starts next week. The 26-year-old Ali played his only One-Day International against Sri Lanka in June 2012, and was a surprise replacement for Junaid, announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board Thursday. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said its technical committee for the World Cup approved Pakistan's request to replace Junaid with Ali. “Any injury or illness-based replacement requires a written submission to the Event Technical Committee along with a diagnosis from a medical practitioner as to the extent of the injury or illness,” said the ICC. Once replaced, a player may not return to the squad save as an approved subsequent replacement for another injured or ill player, the ICC said. Junaid failed to recover from a leg injury sustained last month. Pakistan will play its opening match against India at the Adelaide Oval on Feb. 15. Clarke a doubt for World Cup opener Captain Michael Clarke admitted Friday he is doubtful for Australia's World Cup opener against England on Feb. 14 and that medics would make the call. The 33-year-old has had two easy run-outs in the last week as he bids to recover from hamstring surgery and chronic back pain. But noting he still had a “gap” to fill to be 100 percent fit, he said he did not know if he would be strong enough in time to play at the top level. “I think you should ask that question to the medical staff,” Clarke told reporters. Clarke rebuffed fears he would not be able to play all the games due to a heavy travel schedule including trips to Brisbane, Auckland and Perth. “I've missed enough cricket over the last six months,” he said. “As soon as I can get back on the park I'm keen to play every game for Australia.” Sydney club beats Ireland Giant-killer Ireland found the tables turned on it as it was well-beaten by a Sydney club side in a World Cup warmup match Friday. Ireland, which has enjoyed memorable win over Pakistan and England at recent World Cups, went down to a five-wicket defeat by Randwick Petersham in a 50-over friendly in Sydney. William Porterfield, the Ireland captain, top-scored with 74 in a seemingly competitive total of 255 for seven. However, Randwick Petersham won with more than six overs to spare after opener Alex Sams made 80 in a total of 256 for five before home skipper Adam Semple (33 not out) finished the job. Lee to aid Ireland Brett Lee became the latest former Australia cricketer to be handed a World Cup role with another side when it was revealed Thursday he would serve as Ireland's bowling coach in the lead-up to the tournament. Cricket Ireland said in a statement that Lee, 38, had signed a short-term deal to work with the side ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. — Agencies
