Tauqir defends selection of 17th man

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt Gen Tauqir Zia on Sunday defended the inclusion of former captain Wasim Akram in the squad for next month's tour to England.

"There is no loss if a player of his (Wasim Akram's) class, experience and calibre has been included," the general told newsmen.

He added: "He had to be included in the second half of the England tour for the one-day tri-nation competition."

Zia, using his veto power, had added the former captain as the 17th player against the wishes of skipper Waqar Younis.

The PCB boss, who was in a relaxed mood after a morale-boosting visit by Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf, said the announcement of the team was delayed to give little time to the mediamen to comment on the composition of the squad.

The announcement of the team, for the crucial tour of England had been deferred till Sunday, however it was abruptly announced at 10.30pm on Saturday night, something which has happened for the first time in the history of Pakistan cricket.

The general explained that the team was released to allow the people concerned to "sleep comfortably".