Confused selectors put off announcement again

The confused and homework short Pakistan cricket selectors once again deferred the announcement of changes for the three-Test series against New Zealand starting next month.

Chairman of selectors, Wasim Bari, after a lengthy meeting with his fellow colleagues and chairman of the board Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, came up with nothing xcept that five players had been alerted.

"At the moment, we have picked five players. Final decision as to how many and which ones will fly out will be taken later," Bari told newsmen.

The five-player are Misbahul Haq, Faisal Iqbal, Younis Khan, Fazl-i- Akbar and Humayun Farhat.

Bari said the players to be flown out would be finalized after the decisive one-day international on Wednesday.

"In fact we have not been able to establish contact with the team management who are still on the move," Zia explained, adding: "As soon as we get in contact with them, mostly likely by Tuesday, the changes would be announced."

The PCB chairman said the team management would be given a free hand to pick players they want from the five. "If they request for anyone outside the five, it request will be given due consideration.

"Likewise, the team management would also release the players as they are in a better position to know about their requirements",

It is, however, expected that Imran Nazir, Azhar Mahmood and Shahid Afridi will make way for Younis Khan, Misbahul Haq and Humayun Farhat.

The general, however, ruled out the possibility of Ijaz Ahmad's return after Wasim Bari admitted that he was considered for selection.

The general expressed his ignorance over reports that Ijaz's passport had been taken by the board to fulfil travel formalities. Ijaz, was told by the PCB offcials to withdraw from the second round Patron's Trophy match and fly out to Lahore from where the replacements are scheduled to jet out.

Boycott confirms availability: Geoffrey Boycott has confirmed his availability to visit Pakistan in May, the PCB boss said.

Zia said Boycott was available for coaching from May 21 for about a week.

He added that Boycott's second visit will be in September - October but he would confirm the dates later.

Boycott spent 12 days in Lahore earlier this month at the cricket academy which is expected to gain momentum in May.