Rejects may get chance to nudge selectors

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a surprise move, said on Sunday that six practice matches would be played before the squad for the Asian Test Championship is announced on Aug 24.

The PCB, under pressure for ignoring Wasim Akram and Moin Khan, gave an intriguing turn to the series of events when it said the training camp probables will be pitted against teams comprising Test cricketers not invited for the reconditioning camp starting at Karachi from Monday.

The decision to hold practice matches and give equal opportunity to Test rejects was taken by the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Lt Gen Tauqir Zia after presiding over a high level meeting at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Besides Wasim Akram and Moin Khan, Salim Elahi, Ijaz Ahmad, Mushtaq Ahmad and Misbah-ul-Haq were overlooked by the selectors. Misbah, a national cricket academy student, was ignored despite performing outstandingly during Pakistan 'A' tour to Sri Lanka. Misbah aggregated 324 runs.

A PCB spokesman said two matches would be held under lights while other four will be day fixtures.

The selected team will reach Multan on Aug 26 for the Test match scheduled to start Aug 29.

The meeting also decided that the camp commandant Sikandar Bakht will be assisted by a psychologist, a panel of PCB doctors and a dietitian for proper and special care of the players during the camp.

The meeting also discussed important matters regarding management committee, constitution and the new structure, umpiring, administrative and financial affairs and preparation of pitches besides reviewing a plan for the domestic season and tours.

Later, PCB chairman told mediamen that his Indian counterparts have confirmed their arrival in Lahore for the Asian Test Championship match. He, however, added that if there was any other matter, it was between BCCI and the government.