First and foremost my sincere thanks to Pakistan Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim for responding to my email. I rang him up yesterday to talk about the squad that has been selected for Australia. He was at the hospital with his ill father in law when I phoned him. As ever he was extremely polite and professional and asked me to email him a few questions and that he would respond accordingly.

by Saj Sadiq

9th December 2009

A short Q&A with Pakistan Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim regarding the selection of the Pakistan test squad for the extremely tough upcoming tour of Australia. 16 players were named by the selectors with only KRL pace bowler Yasir Arafat and reserve wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed ommitted from the 18 man squad that is currently in New Zealand.

 

Why is there no reserve wicket-keeper for the Australia tour?


New Zealand was the home series, therefore, PCB had no objection to send 3 extra players including additional wicket keeper with the idea to gain experience on tour. Since Australia is the host hence we have to be restricted & avoided the extra burden on PCB.


Could you clarify the situation with Younus Khan and his non selection, was he not eligible for selection as he didnt play any domestic matches?


You rightly said as he did not play any domestic matches or showed his interest for selection he was not considered.



Why has the squad been reduced from 18 to 16 ?


As I said Australia will be the host of Pakistan, therefore, as per normal practice or policy 15 member squad selected and all expenses will be born by the host board. In case of extra player then respective board has to bear the expenses. Hence pakistan has to reduce the squad to 15 players however, PCB agreed with the request of selection committee along with tour mamagment to send additional player, therefore, squad was reduced to 16.



Did Yousuf and Akmal have much say in the squad?

Of course, we always consult tour selection committee for their input and give them weightage too. Yousaf, Akmal and Inti, all being consulted before, finalization of squad.