Chief selector Inzamam ul Haq implements massive changes

Newly appointed Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has swung into action immediately after taking up the job. The 35 man list for the preparatory camp ahead of the England tour had few surprising exclusions as Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal, and Shahid Afridi found their names missing from the squad.

“Shehzad and Umar don’t have enough performances and lack discipline,” said Inzamam. “Wherever there will be a disciplinary problem, we will take a step. And you should expect this selection committee to be a little stern on discipline.”

Inzamam, while explaining his decision to exclude Afridi, said: “Pakistan will play only six T20Is in the coming 14 months so we are thinking of trying new players. Meanwhile, Afridi will also take some rest and if he performs after that, the doors of selection are always open.”

Afridi supported chief selector’s decision to give a “chance” to youngsters and hoped to improve his form for the prospective comeback.

The 46-year-old also explained the non-selection of his nephew Imamul Haq by saying: “His domestic record was not that good so I didn’t select him. Neither will I favour anyone nor do injustice; this is how things should be done.”

The chief selector, while replying to a query, said that Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif will be given a fair chance once they play a complete four-day season.

“Salman hasn’t played much cricket,” said Inzamam. “He should participate in a full four-day season. We haven’t ignored him. We are checking him. Same is for Asif.”

The training camp for the England tour will begin on May 14 and go on till June 4 ahead of the tour which starts in July.

Inzamam further said the training camp will be followed by a 10 to 15-day break. The players will then participate in a skill camp which will take place two weeks before the tour to England where Pakistan will play the first Test match on June 14.