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Pak bowlers hurt in SA assault

Mohammad Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq, Pakistan's two top bowlers for Friday's Test against South Africa, were injured in a criminal assault on Wednesday night.

Pakistan's captain Rashid Latif has threatened to boycott the first Test if the bowlers cannot play.

"These two bowlers are our main weapon, and this is a really serious issue. If they can't play tomorrow, we will boycott this Test,'' Latif said during a training session at the Wanderers' field.

Akram and Mushtaq were assaulted by three men 20 yards from the Sandton Hotel when they were going out for dinner around 2100 hours local time.

Fast bowler Akram suffered a cut in his bowling hand. Both players were beaten severely around their rib cage and chest, Latif said. Both men missed training this morning.

A team representative, Latif said, was meeting with the United Cricket Board to discuss future security arrangements for the tour.