Lahore: Pakistan cricket chief selector Iqbal Qasim has ruled out
controversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar’s chances of getting into the ICC Champions Trophy squad.
Qasim said there is only a ‘remote’ possibility of Akhtar getting a place in the team through a ‘wild card’.
"There is a committee of the ICC which follows a strict procedure in terms of a player’s replacement. If someone is to be replaced from the pre-announced side then a solid reason has to be presented," Qasim said.
He, however, did not completely rule out Akhtar’s chances, saying: “Anyone who is fit and performing will be considered for selection.”
Akhtar, who last played against Australia in the UAE series, has not even been included in the 30-member preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy.
When asked about the tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif , Qasim said he (Asif) is physically fit and would be considered for the national squad.
“We got his positive medical report from the National Cricket Academy. He is attending the ongoing Under-23 emerging camp in Karachi. All I can say is that he is fit,” The Daily Times quoted Qasim, as saying.
Asif, who has been included in the preliminary squad, stands a good chance of cementing a place in the final 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy.
Asif has not played any cricket since July last year and was banned last September by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after testing positive for nandrolone during the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) inaugural season.
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