Salim Malik left out of HBL squad

Defending champions Habib Bank have left out disgraced former Pakistan captain Salim Malik from their provisional list of 25 players for the forthcoming Patron's Trophy National Grade-I Cricket Championship.

A spokesman of the bank confirmed on Friday that Salim's name has not been sent to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for registration.

He, however, didn't rule out Salim Malik's appearance in the Patron's Trophy saying that if the batsman succeeded in securing a stay order against Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum's recommendations, he could return to the team.

The hearing in the Lahore High Court is scheduled for Jan 7. Salim was banned for life for his involvement in match-fixing.

The spokesman of the bank said the PCB has yet to clarify that if it has banned Salim Malik. He argued that when the matter was taken up for clarification, the PCB sent a two-sentence letter which said: "As per Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum report, Mr Salim Malik has been banned from playing cricket at all levels for life."

The spokesman said the bank has yet to appoint the captain of the team but minced no words in saying that it was a four-way tie between Akram Raza, Ijaz Ahmad, Kabir Khan and Salim Elahi.