Former skipper urges selectors to show consistency

Former captain Wasim Akram Monday said he was conveyed indirectly that he was no longer wanted in the Pakistan team. The celebrated lefthander said although no one spoke to him officially to retire from the game, recent developments indicate that he has fallen out with the selectors.

Talking to reporters at the National Stadium, Wasim said he was forced to think after the selectors ignored him from the training camp and had also included him for the England tour as the 17th player.

"These are indirect messages. No one has said anything directly," Wasim said. The rubber-stamp selectors received criticism after they left out Wasim from the 27 probables for the ongoing training camp. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a belated effort to bail-out the selectors, announced to host practice matches to allow Wasim to show his fitness and form.

"There are ups and downs. I believe I have been bowling well but not picking up wickets. I have faced numerous pressure situations and I am confident that as in the past, I will overcome the present crisis with sheer hard work and commitment," Wasim, who has 440 one-day and 414 Test wickets, said.

Asked if he feels he was also unwanted in the PCB board room and the players dressing room, he said: "As for the board room, may be and may be not. "But as regards the dressing room, I enjoy excellent relationship with every player. I had a great time with the captain in England and there is no problem whatsoever."

Wasim said he had no problems appearing in the trial match but demanded consistency. "I am glad that the PCB has started this process. And there should be the same yardstick used for every player's form and fitness," he said.

Obviously Wasim was pointing fingers at PCB's favourite son, Shoaib Akhtar, who somehow receives the nod of panel of doctors and selectors before the start of a series at home or abroad and then always gets injured after playing a match or two to become a joyrider.

The 'Sultan' of reverse swing said although he hated to get into the selectors' job, he was happy with his outing in the practice match. He said he felt a bit rusty in the morning session but added that as he bowled overs, he started getting better. He said he had the experience, admitting he was short of match practice. "I think I am fit and want to play for another couple of years. Let me overhaul Kapil Dev's record of 434 before I decide if I want to play in onedayers only."