Imran’s snub was the biggest shock as the experienced full-back led Pakistan in previous events, including the Champions Trophy where the team finished seventh in the eight-team contest. Akbar and Waseem were also considered core members of the team.
There was, however, good news for former captain Rehan Butt who was named in the list after missing out on national selection following the tour of Europe last summer. Penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas, has also been added in the preliminary squad.
Performance, fitness only criteria: chief selector
Meanwhile, chief selector Hanif Khan said that the players’ performance and fitness were the two criteria for the squad selection.
“The players who performed recently have been picked,” Khan told The Express Tribune. “It’s not got anything to do with experience. Those who’ve been dropped were unimpressive in the Champions Trophy and the National Championship.”
Probables
Sohail Abbas, Kashif Shah, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Irfan, Amir Shahzad, Rizwan junior, Fareed Ahmad, Rashid Mehmood, Mohammad Tousiq, Kashif Javed, Tasawwar Abbas, Ammad Butt, Waqas Sharif, Shakeel Abbasi, Abdul Haseem Khan, Mohammad Rizwan senior, Mohammad Zubair, Ali Shan, Shafqat Rasool, Umar Bhutta, Shabbir Khan, Mohammad Irfan junior, Mohammad Suleman, Rehan Butt, Imran Butt, Imran Shah and Mazhar Abbas.
Central contracts for 23 players
The PHF announced the much-awaited central contracts for 23 players for three months effective January 1. The ‘performance-based’ contracts were announced after recommendations from the selection committee. However, there was no raise in players’ salaries as Category A continues to receive Rs50, 000 while players in the B and C categories will get Rs40,000 and Rs30,000.
Category A: Sohail Abbas, Fareed Ahmed, Rashid Mahmood, Shakeel Abbasi, Waqas Sharif, Rehan Butt
Category B: Imran Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Rizwan senior, Abdul Haseem Khan, Shafqat Rasool
Category C: Kashif Shah, M Tousiq, Mohammad Zubair, Ali Shan, Rizwan junior and Umar Bhutta
Juniors: Mazhar Abbas, Kashif Javed, Tasawwar Abbas, Mohammad Irfan, Ammad Butt and Muhammad Suleman
Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th, 2012.
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Salaries are tooooo slim for international players. PHF need to look into commercial events to raise funds like PCB. Commercial leagues can bring more spectators and sponsors.