Sami to represent Pakistan in Champions Trophy launch

Mohammad Sami is in the limelight © AFP

In a surprise move the Pakistan Cricket Board has nominated Mohammad Sami as their representative in the official launch of the ICC Champions Trophy. Every country is required to send one member and the place usually goes to the captain or a senior player. Pakistan, however, have chosen Sami, who is just 22 years old, ahead of senior players like Saqlain Mushtaq and Shoaib Akhtar who are currently playing cricket in England, and could easily have attended the launch at Lord's even if Inzamam-ul-Haq was unavailable.

The News of Karachi has reported that this decision was taken because it was unclear if Shoaib would be in England at the time the request came from the ICC. The report adds that Saqlain was not considered as he is not a permanent member of the Pakistan team at present.

Sami is currently playing for Kent in the English domestic competition and, despite having only moderate success in the recent series against India, is believed to be an integral part of Pakistan's plans for the future. The opportunity to represent Pakistan in this prestigious event - where the players and administrators will pose for an official photograph - only furthers this belief.