Changes likely in Australia bound squad;
Sohail in line for recall
KARACHI: Changes are likely to be made to the 14-member Pakistan
squad announced for the triangular one-day series in Australia, with
the appointment of Lt General Tauqeer Zia as the new Chairman of
the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ad hoc Committee.
‘The News’ has learnt that the new cricket chief will be visiting the
Gaddafi Stadium today and will formally take charge of the
Chairman’s office. And it is likely he will decide to make few changes
to the already announced team after consultations with senior
players, officials and the present national selection committee.
The selection committee headed by Salahuddin Ahmed last week
announced the 14-member squad after consultations with captain
Wasim Akram and the team did not include Aamer Sohail, Muhammad
Akram, Waqar Younis or Rashid Latif, despite their recent consistent
performances at the domestic level and seniority.
Akram and Waqar in fact went to Australia with the team for the
Test series and performed well there despite limited chances to play.
Waqar Younis and Aamer Sohail in fact would be trying to meet the
new Chairman today at the Gaddafi Stadium, where incidentally the
Pakistan team conditioning camp also starts the same day.
Sources say chances of Sohail going to Australia after all are very
strong, since the new Chairman is said to believe injustice has been
done with the left-handed opener and former Pakistan captain.
Lt General Tauqeer Zia on Tuesday called former Test player and a
member of the Ad hoc Committee of Dr Zafar Altaf, Colonel Naushad
Ali for a meeting in Rawalpindi. It is not known what was discussed
but indications are that Naushad has given a detailed briefing to the
General about the current state of affairs and also on the Pakistan
team.