Despite Farhat’s below-par performance in the Champions Trophy the selection committee had included him in the squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Pakistan opener Imran Farhat withdrew from the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe on Tuesday citing 'domestic issues' as a reason.
The left-handed opener who was to play two Test matches in the upcoming tour said that domestic matters "required his immediate attention".
An official of the Pakistan cricket team said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s selection committee had nominated Shan Masood to replace Farhat.
Farhat's selection in the tour drew heavy criticism owing to his performance in the Champions Trophy, where he scored only two runs each against West Indies and South Africa before being dropped for the last match.
Earlier during the week, an official close to the selection committee had said that Test and One-Day International (ODI) captain Misbahul Haq strongly opposed Farhat's inclusion in the squad.
"Misbah wanted to retain Taufeeq Umar in the Test squad because he was disappointed with Farhat's performance," the official had said.
COMMENTS (21)
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imran farhat should be in a team
@Fawad Alam for Imran Farhat "Fawad Alam is ignored once again. What a pity." . I know many Karachi cricket pundits support Fawwad Alam since he is from Karachi. I am also a Karachiite but feels real pain when people support an empty cartridge, i.e. Fawwad Alam. Two wrongs do not make it right.
Imran perhaps did a decent thing after all the criticism upon his selection. If only Faisal Iqbal had done the same !! Howvere selectors chose to ignore Haris Sohail (average 51) and talented Nasir Jamshed and Fawad Alam for another new comer Shan (average 33 ).
Haris Sohail averages 52+ its unfair to select Shaan instead of him. Shaan's recent performance clearly demonstrates what kind of "form" he is in, his scores from the last few matches are 6, 4, 8, 8, 5, 29, 25. Shoaib Maqsood, Fawad Alam, Nasir Jamshed would have been better choices but then again anyone other than Farhat is a good choice.
This is a wonderful PROFESSIONAL EXAMPLE set by Imran Farhat.
Seniors should learn from him.
MORAL:
Apni izzat apne haath mai hoti hai .
Don't be happy people... The PCB selectors will never learn. Look at the replacement. What have they seen in Shan Masood except he is young. His average is only 33 after 56 First Class matches. Fawad Alam is ignored once again. What a pity.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/usa/content/player/233901.html
Looks like an average player.
Thank you Imran Farhat!..and shame on the selection committee.
THANK GODDDD!!! and thank you too 'domestic issues' !!
It is just an excuse. Real thing is he got kicked from team fir this series after some recent news articles of Farhat getting preferential treatment from PCB. So the PCB decided to remove him to save some face for sometime. He will be back soon.
Was Farhat part of the Bangla cricket league? Because some undisclosed players have been suspended and barred from playing cricket!
Just speculating, but is this why?
Is it possible? Farhat has some shame, after all?
If only, the other 'talented' players like him.. and 'talented' individuals in PCB would also pay attention to their domestic issues and withdraw somehow....
Good that Imran Farhat realized himself that he don't deserve to represent green shirts. Thank you Imran Farhat.
So finally some solace for Cricket lovers.
I just hope he attends the domestic issue for another 10 years or so ... and then we wouldnt have these contentious selection issues anymore. thanks.
Literally jumping for joy right now!
A graceful way to leave the team when the slection is questionable. I am sure that Imran would gain the confidence and form and let his bat do the talking. Everybody needs a break to take care of personal form and other issues. Best of luck for showing a dignified way to other cricketers.
Good riddance. who's Shan Masood by the way?
Blessing in disguise
First ever good news from him. I think the name Imran is cursed now a days.