Karachi: Irfan Pathan who suffered side strain and missed India's Group stage matches, was declared fit and is available for his side's Super League tie against Pakistan here on Wednesday.

"Irfan has worked very hard with the trainer for the last few days to make a comeback and his availability is a definite plus point for us," India coach Kirsten told mediapersons here today after his side's practice session.

The Baroda pacer would be playing his first match of the ongoing tournament after being sidelined by a nagging side strain.

Kirsten backed captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's view that the Asia Cup schedule is too tight and had left the players tired.

"'We are now back to cricket after a much needed break. But it is very important to give guys some time off the cricket so that we did that and now guys are back and focusing on next two games," he said.

UNI 

Tags: asia cup 2008, pakistan, group stages, india, irfan pathan, side strain, kirsten, dhoni.