Naved, who was cleared to play after a one-year ban was imposed on him in, was not considered for the New Zealand tour despite an impressive performance in the first-class tournament. The all-rounder has played 74 One-Day Internationals (ODI) taking 110 wickets and scoring 524 runs.
“I have no other options than to fulfil my contract with Tasmania. In spite of a good show in the Quaid Trophy, I was not selected for the team,” Naved told The Express Tribune.
“I cannot prove more on my fitness and form after which I’ve decided to go to Australia rather than playing here,” said Naved, who is among the top wicket takers in the Quaid Trophy.
He added that he would leave for Australia on December 21 and play for Tasmania in the opening match on December 30.
Naved questions selection
The all-rounder, who spearheads top-placed Wapda’s attack, said he was deeply disappointed after not being preferred for the national side.
“I don’t know what the criterion is for selection. Why Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik have not been selected is a mystery.”
‘PCB permission not required’
Naved said he would not require permission by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for ignoring the ongoing tournament while opting for the Big Bash T20.
“I don’t require the PCB’s permission as I am not a centrally-contracted player. I will miss three rounds of the Quaid Trophy for which I have already taken permission from my department.”
Available for national team
The all-rounder, however, maintained that playing for Pakistan remains his top priority and he will be available if he is called for the ODI series against New Zealand.
“I am available anytime for the national team because my contract with Tasmania allows me to do so,” said Naved before adding that he was hopeful for a berth in the ODI series and the World Cup.
Mohsin gives hope to Naved
Meanwhile, Pakistan Chief Selector Mohsin Khan has given hope to Naved saying that all the available players including the all-rounder who have been given the PCB’s clearance are under consideration for the New Zealand ODI series and the World Cup.
“We are trying to form the best pool of players for the World Cup. We are also keeping a close look on the available players for who we have a clean chit from the PCB,” Khan told The Express Tribune.
“We would try our best that any player who deserves a place in the national team doesn’t get ignored.”
The chief selector added that the preliminary squad for the World Cup is expected to be announced before December 15.
Naved’s ODI performance
Matches: 74
Wickets: 110
Bowling average: 29.29
Runs: 524
Batting average: 15.87
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2010.
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