Inzamam clears the air over Sohail’s non-selection

Pakistan chief selector says head coach Arthur didn’t play any role in it

Pakistan national selection committee chairman Inzamamul Haq on Thursday said that head coach Mickey Arthur had no role in the non-selection of right-arm pacer Sohail Khan.

Sohail, adjudged the best bowler of the recently concluded Pakistan Super League, was overlooked for the limited-overs series which are going to face West Indies in the upcoming series.

“Arthur didn’t tell us to drop Sohail and [former ODI captain Azhar Ali] from the ODI and T20I squads,” cleared Inzamam while talking to journalists at the Lahore Press Club.

The 47-year-old then shed light on other selections made for the four-T20I and three-ODI series in the Caribbean.

“Kamran [Akmal] was selected as a batsman because of his consistent performances in the domestic circuit and during the PSL2,” said Inzamam. “[Limited-overs captain] Sarfraz [Ahmed] will keep the wickets even in the presence of Kamran.”

Inzamam also backed the selection of veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez. “He [Hafeez] passed the fitness test and the team will also benefit from his all-round abilities.”

On PSL spot-fixing case

The PSL spot-fixing case is the talk of town at the moment and former Pakistan captain, when asked about his perspective, said the players should be punished in accordance with the International Cricket Council’s code of ethics.

“Players should not put their career in jeopardy by getting involved in spot-fixing,” said Inzamam. “In 2010, players involved in spot-fixing were punished severely and this time too the decision will be taken in accordance with the laws.”