I expect to get match-fit within a week: Irfan Pathan

The 28-year-old Pathan was a part of India8217;s victorious Champions Trophy campaign but he was not in the playing XI in the five matches in UK. Pathan only played in the warm-up game against Sri Lanka in Birmingham bowling five wicketless overs for 45 runs.

For the Baroda all-rounder,the priority is to undergo a structured rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore in order to avoid injuries.

8220;I have a training programme chalked out and I will be strictly adhering to that. We have a long season ahead. And I want to be fully fit by the time the season starts,8221; Irfan,who has played 29 Tests and 120 ODIs for India,said.

The left-arm seamer infact had a lucrative offer from one of the English county sides but he has refused it as he wants to focus more on his rehabilitation programme.

8220;I had a good offer from one of the English county sides for playing both Pro-40 as well as four day matches for them. But for me,it is more important that I am fully fit to regain my berth in the Indian team. That8217;s the reason I declined their offer as I didn8217;t want my training schedule to be tinkered with,8221; he added.