Door still open for Razzaq: chief selector

Qasim says all-rounder needs to appear in domestic events to prove form and fitness.


Fawad Hussain April 03, 2013
The PCB chief selector said that Razzaq is not doing himself a favour by missing domestic events despite his name being included in the squad by regional cricket associations. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI:


The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to snub Abdul Razzaq seems unfair to many, but chief selector Iqbal Qasim insisted that there were no intentions to end the all-rounder’s career.


The 33-year-old Razzaq, once considered an automatic choice and counted among the world’s top all-rounders, was sidelined for the team’s tour to India, a series that also saw Shahid Afridi being dropped.

While Afridi returned for the following South Africa series, Razzaq was ignored once again as the PCB announced a preliminary squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. The continued exclusion has now prompted talks of Razzaq’s exit from international cricket.

‘Razzaq is heartbroken’

According to officials close to the player, the all-rounder, who has played 265 One-Day Internationals, is dejected and has sidelined himself from domestic tournaments for the same reason.

The Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) officials included Razzaq’s name in previous domestic tournaments, including the recently-concluded Faysal Bank Super-Eight Twenty20, but the all-rounder decided against playing the tournaments giving various excuses.



“He [Razzaq] is the kind of person who rarely speaks his heart out,” said a LCCA official. “But what we feel is that he has sidelined himself because he is dejected and heartbroken.”

Razzaq must appear in events: Qasim   

However, the chief selector said isolating himself was not a solution for any cricketer.

“A cricketer should not stay away from the field for too long,” Qasim told The Express Tribune. “All players stand equal and Razzaq’s one of them. But we cannot consider him until we see him on the field to assess his form and fitness because he is not playing at any level.

“Razzaq can also make a comeback by proving his worth in domestic cricket. The same applies to Younus Khan [also dropped from the preliminary squad]. Many people are writing him off but that’s not the case and he can still return.”

Players to go under the scanner in one-day event  

Meanwhile, Qasim termed the upcoming President’s Cup One Day Tournament vital for Champions Trophy selection.

“This event has become crucial because of its timing as it is taking place right before the final squad is to be announced. We’ll definitely monitor the players’ performance closely since it will give us a fair idea. All the selectors have been assigned at different venues. I will personally be present at the matches that will be played in Karachi.”

To a query regarding speculations on the possible snub of Afridi and Umar Gul from the final squad, Qasim said it was premature to discuss the 15-man squad.

Iqbal Qasim

Iqbal Qasim

“Razzaq can make a comeback by proving his worth in domestic cricket. The same applies to Younus Khan. Many people are writing him off but that’s not the case and he can still make a comeback.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2013.

COMMENTS (1)

Adil | 10 years ago | Reply

That's right PCB, always look to shoot yourself in the foot! Either leave out the best players, or let the best players get themselves in extra curriculum activities and get themselves banned. So that eventually we end up with mostly average sort of players who play for the national side. With few match winners in the team, we get trashed against the really good sides, but manage to compete with average opposition. Not good enough I'm afraid. We need to get ourselves organised. We do have the talent. Why are players like Abdul Razaaq, one of the best all rounders in the world not playing for instance? His match winning talents have been wasted over the years. Politics perhaps?

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ