Dazed PCB wakes up: Imad Wasim added in 'D' category

Chief selector Haroon Rasheed says all-rounder's name was 'erroneously omitted from the list'

KARACHI: It took Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) months to prepare the list to award central contracts but still it was not flawless.

Just after three days of the official announcement, the board realised that the name of emerging all-rounder Imad Wasim was missing from the 27-player list and he has now been included in 'D' category.

Imad alongside Anwar Ali played their way to glory and became heroes back in Pakistan after their scintillating batting against Sri Lanka in a high-scoring run-chase in the recently concluded series.

Read: PCB announces central contracts for players

The left-hander won the second T20 for his team against the Islanders with a six when five runs were needed of as many deliveries and despite the effort, his name was mistakenly 'omitted from the list' according to the board.

Imad has been added to the list of 27 players who have been offered central contract for the year 2015-16, following PCB Chairman Shaharyar Mohammad Khan’s approval on chief selector Haroon Rashid’s request.

“Imad was in the selection committee’s list in Category 'D',” said Haroon.

“But while submitting the names for approval, his name was erroneously omitted from the list. The error stands corrected now.”

It is not the only blunder the PCB has done while awarding central contracts.

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who is struggling to cope with life after remodeled action has been included in category 'B' on the insistence of PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan.

On the other hand, Zulfiqar Babar has been placed in category D despite being regular part of national team while Rahat Ali has been promoted to category B.

Sohaib Maqsood and Umer Amin have been included in category D despite being out of the team for more than six months due to injury and poor form, respectively, while Fawad Alam has been placed in C category.