CRICKET:Ireland's cricket team will be bolstered by the presence of a promising young South African, Vernon Philander, on their return from the Caribbean. The Irish Cricket Union (ICU) have announced the 21-year-old all-rounder will be their overseas professional for the Friends Provident Trophy, the 50-over tournament played between English counties, previously known as the C&G Trophy.

By going for youth over experience, the ICU hope to get a better return for their money than last year, when the Pakistan Test players Shahid Afridi and Saqlain Mushtaq fulfilled the overseas slots to limited effect.

Philander is well regarded in his home country, but missed out on selection for the World Cup, having been named in the preliminary squad of 30. He has played 26 first-class games, scoring 1,046 runs at an average of 26.15, with a highest score of 168. He has taken 71 wickets at an average of 24.19.

His international experience is limited to under-19 level for South Africa, and his domestic clubs include Cape Cobras and Western Province.

ICU chief executive Warren Deutrom said that Philander will not be joined by a second overseas pro this year. "With 15 Irish players gaining experience at the World Cup, we feel that we're equipped to perform well in the Friends Provident matches."

Elsewhere, Ireland's St Patrick's Day opponents, Pakistan, were further weakened by the withdrawal of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, minutes before the team were due to fly to the Caribbean. The official reason for withdrawal was given as injury. The pair tested positive last year for nandrolone in internal dope tests conducted just before the Champions Trophy. Controversially, these bans were overturned by the Pakistan Cricket Board, to the embarrassment of the ICC.

It means Pakistan will line up against Ireland without their two fastest bowlers and their influential all-rounders Shahid Afridi, who is serving a four-match ban for misconduct, and Abdul Razzaq, who is injured.

Ireland will play nine games in the Friends Provident Trophy.

SCHEDULE: April: 22nd: Ireland v Gloucestershire, Dublin; 29th: Ireland v Kent, Belfast. May: 6th: Somerset v Ireland, Taunton; 7th: Hampshire v Ireland, Rose Bowl; 13th: Ireland v Essex, Dublin; 27th: Surrey v Ireland, Brit Oval; 28th: Sussex v Ireland, Hove. June: 10th: Ireland v Middlesex, Dublin; 13th: Ireland v Glamorgan, Belfast.