tomorrow without the services of the world's most feared strike attack -- opening bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

Skipper Akram and his vice-captain Waqar were both absent from the squad of 11 players that arrived last night with both reported to have been summoned to England by their county teams.

Tour manager Khalid Mahmood explained that last-minute phone calls from England indicated that it was important for both players to rejoin their teams immediately. Akram plays with Lancashire and Waqar with Surrey.

"They were called because there is a very crucial match between the two teams coming up, so unfortunately we have lost both of them and have come here with what we have left,'' said Mahmood.

Top batsman Javed Miandad returned to Pakistan yesterday while three other team members, Aaqib Javed, Mushtaq Ahmed and Aamir Sohail, were early withdrawals through injury.

For both matches this weekend Pakistan will be captained by their most experienced remaining player Ramiz Raja.

Pakistan are left with four recognised bowlers, medium-pacers Ata-Ur-Rehman and Aamir Nazir, and left-arm spinners Nadeem Khan and Asif Mujtaba. With only 11 players, wicket-keepers Rashid Latif and Moin Khan may take turns in unusual roles as fieldsmen.

Ed Bailey, president of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, said that it was unfortunate that the two key bowlers did not come, but he noted that the board was always aware that something like this could occur when the visit was originally negotiated.

Bailey is optimistic that Pakistan are still capable of providing local fans with some exciting cricket.

Although the Pakistan players looked tired after their long trip from Antigua, they are reported to be looking forward to the two games here and do not need much to be motivated.

Mahmood, in an obvious reference to their disappointing Test results and the unforgettable drug charges in Grenada, said that they were glad to leave the Caribbean.

"The players are very happy to be out of the Caribbean and to arrive in Bermuda. They are looking forward to the brief stay and will definitely play entertaining and positive cricket. We will be giving Bermuda our best effort,'' he said.

Bailey added: "Bermuda is fortunate to get a chance to look at what I believe will be one of the strongest Test teams in the next three years.'' PAKISTAN, MINUS TWO MORE -- Team members on arrival at the airport last night, from left: Zahid Fazal, Moin Khan, Asif Mujtaba, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shakeel Ahmed, Ramiz Raja, team manager Mudassar Nazar, BCBC president Ed Bailey, tour manager Khalid Mahmood, Aamir Nazir, Nadeem Khan, Basit Ali, Rashid Latif, Ata-Ur-Rehman.