Pathan`s fitness still matter of concern

Paceman Irfan Pathan`s fitness continues to be a matter of concern for Indian team with the bowler`s participation being uncertain for the remainder of the Asia Cup tournament here.

Pathan, who has as yet not played in any of the three games won by India as he is suffering from a side strain problem, on Saturday trained outside the National Stadium at an adjacent ground and appeared to be in some discomfort after doing different drills to test out his fitness.

Indian team officials, however, insisted Pathan was recovering and was being rested to safeguard his long term future.

Pathan also told some reporters after the training session with the team physiotherapist that he was feeling better.

Pathan has a gap of three days to make a complete recovery as India`s next game is now on Wednesday against Pakistan and then against Sri Lanka on Thursday in the super league of the tournament.

The ground was surrounded by security police officials as Pathan did his drills highlighting the fact that the organisers are taking no chances with the security of the Indian team.