LONDON- Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq on Monday once again defended theteam selection for Pakistan’s Test tour of Ireland and England, saying thathe is only trying to do what is in the best interests of the team.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, the former captain said he has not endedanyone’s career prospects.
“I have not ended anyone’s future. We are only trying to do what’s best forour team,” he said, reiterating that the 16 best players were chosen forthe England/Ireland tour.
“Everybody knows English conditions are not easy [to play in]. That is whywe sent the team there early so that they can adjust to the conditions[before the series starts].
“I am being criticised for expanding the pool of players. But I have beentasked with bringing forward new [and young] talent. We are giving chancesto youngsters. They will make mistakes, but they will also learn,” he added.
Pakistan were all out for 168 in their four-day tour match against Kent atCanterbury, with uncapped Imam-ul-Haqlink>whois also Inzamam’s nephew, top scoring with 61. The 22-year old left-handedbatsman earlier copped flak for his selection ahead of the long-ignoredFawad Alam, who was once again left out of the final 16 despite performingconsistently well and better than some of the new selections in thedomestic circuit.
“I am pleased whenever any batsman performs well,” said Inzamam, when askedabout his thoughts on Imam’s impressive batting display in swingingconditions against Kent.
“We review performance of all the players,” he added.
Inzamam refused to comment when asked about fast bowler Mohammad Asif, whoremains out of the team after getting convicted for spot-fixing and servinghis five-year ban.