Sohail selections leave bitter taste

Hardly was the ink dry on yesterday's announcement of Pakistan's 22-man probables squad for the forthcoming one-day series against New Zealand, than Inzamam-ul-Haq, the captain, and Javed Miandad, the coach, revealed that they hadn't been consulted about the choices.

The news left Aamer Sohail, the Pakistan Cricket Board's chief selector, isolated as it was later revealed that he hadn't spoken to Rameez Raja, the PCB's chief executive, either before picking the side. PCB regulations state that the chief selector has to get the approval of the chairman before finalising any squad. The chairman, Lt-Gen. Tauqir Zia, wasn't available, which meant that Sohail should have spoken to Rameez instead.

Rameez, Inzamam and Miandad have refused to comment publicly, but sources suggest that they are livid at the perceived snub. There is a general feeling that the deteriorating relationship between Sohail and many PCB officials will be brought to a head sooner rather than later.

Sohail should have learned from the furore which resulted last month from his announcement of Junaid Zia, Tauqir's son, as captain of the Pakistan A team for the Emerging Trophy in Sri Lanka. Less than 24 hours later Zia senior had to stage a climbdown, telling the media that he had overruled the appointment of his own son.