Wasim to play in Tests only

Karachi, July 13: Wasim Akram will play in only the selected limitedovers matches and would concentrate in longer version of the games, officials said.

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Tauqir Zia said Wasim has agreed to suggestion.

"It will be in the larger interest of Pakistan if Wasim concentrates only on Tests. His absence from one-day games would allow some new players to play and consequently learn the art of performing in pressure games and get ready to take over the charge when it comes," Zia said.

He added that he felt during the tri-nation series in Colombo that the team was too dependent on Wasim Akram. "I don't want the team to be a one-man show. I want it to be a balanced outfit."

He said the board also felt that at 34, Wasim has to be used very sensibly. "He is diabetic and we can't risk his career or future by playing him in every game.

"He is the greatest allrounder who still have a couple of years left in him. We want to use his abilities as much as we can."

Zia, however, said Wasim will be picked for the five-match series against India because they were tough and high profile games.

"But we haven't decided if he has to be picked for the ICC knockout tournament in Kenya.

"It's a prestigious event but I will first talk to Wasim before deciding."