Inzamam shocked at World XI snub

Inzamam-ul Haq, the Pakistan captain, has expressed his surprise and disappointment at being omitted from both the World Test and ODI squads for the Super Series against Australia in October.

"I would be lying if I said I am not disappointed," Inzamam was quoted as saying by PTI. "Yes, I am. But my disappointment is not to extents that would demoralise or depress me. As far as I am concerned, my top priority is Pakistan and I am still focused on this year's home series against England."

Questioning the rationale behind the selection of the World teams Inzamam wanted an explanation for his omission. "Just for curiosity's sake, I am interested to know what the criterion for selection was. I would appreciate if any of the selectors explain why I could not make it to the squad although their explanation would neither turn things around nor they would satisfy me."

Inzamam said that he was confident about his batting skills and that the Super Series would have been good preparation for the series against England. "My confidence is still sky high and I am aware of my target that is to beat England in the home series," said Inzamam. "Nevertheless, I thought I had a good chance to qualify in the World XI that would have given me the right preparation before a tough series against England."

Even as Inzamam took his disappointment on the chin, he received strong support from Pakistan's former cricketers. Here's what they had to say:

Hanif Mohammad: "Please read the team sheet again and that too carefully, there must have been a typographical error because no sane selector can drop such a great batsman."

Zaheer Abbas: "I am sure that the entire nation is in a shock because he is a world-class player and deserves to be in any team. To me, this World XI is without a spine because there is no Inzamam. Whatever you may say, but the bottomline is that it's an honour to be selected for World XI. It [selection] justifies your status as a true world-class player. He must be down and disappointed but I am sure that he will rise and through his performance would make the selectors rue their decision."

Javed Miandad: "It is a mindboggling decision. What was the selection criterion because as far as I am concerned, when you select a World XI, you consider two things: present form of the player and the status of his team. Inzamam is in terrific form while Pakistan is one of the top teams. I don't think the selectors can justify their decision to leave Inzamam out."

Shaharyar Khan: "As chairman of PCB, I am disappointed because Inzamam is a class act and a proven performer and deserved to be in the team. But while saying this, I add that I respect and accept the selection process and would not take up the matter with the ICC or its selectors."