Published: Jan 15, 2013, 06:17 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 15, 2013, 06:17 PM (IST)
Adnan Akmal has played 16 Tests and five ODIs for Pakistan © Getty Images
Lahore: Jan 15, 2013
Pakistan’s chief selector Iqbal Qasim believes that Adnan Akmal must not feel disappointed after not being selected in the national squad for South Africa tour.
Qasim believes Adnan is talented enough to make a comeback very soon and should remain positive.
“Adnan is a very good wicket-keeper and we have selected him in the past, but he missed some of the ties of the President’s Trophy as he was getting married,” Qasim was quoted as saying by The Dawn.
“At the same time, Sarfraz was performing well in the same tournament. Therefore, he has been given a chance,” the chief selector added.
“However, it isn’t the end of the world for Adnan as he might get the nod for the next tour in case of injury while he may also be sent as a replacement.”
Qasim said that team for South Africa tour has been selected purely on the basis of merit and dismissed the speculations that were doing the rounds about the conflict between the team management and the selectors.
“The team has been selected purely on merit and with the consultation of captain Misbah-ul-Haq and coach Dav Whatmore,” Iqbal said. “The news about any differences between the selection committee and the team management is pure speculation.”
Qasim also cleared the stand on Taufeeq Umar’s selection.
“We selected him on Misbah’s recommendation and that is an indication that we announced the team after taking views from everyone involved and I hope that we perform well in South Africa,” he concluded.
