North Down's title ambitions have been dealt a serious blow with the news that their new professional Anwar Ali has been called up to a Pakistan training camp.

The 24 year old right-hand batsman and medium fast bowler looked to be a quality professional, filling the void left by the departures of Taimur Khan and Ian Moran.

Ali took five wickets, including that of Rohit Sharma, to bowl Pakistan to victory in the 2006 Under 19 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

He has also played one game for the senior Pakistan side - a T20 international against Canada.

His experience of UK conditions - having been a professional in the Lancashire League with Colne, meant he would have needed little time to bed-in at the Comber club.

Club captain Peter Shields confirmed that the club were actively pursuing a quality replacement before the start of the Ulster Bank Premiership on Saturday.