Iqbal baffled by omission
Batsman Faisal Iqbal has emerged aggrieved after being omitted from Pakistan's squad for next month's Test series against Sri Lanka.
Batsman Faisal Iqbal has emerged aggrieved after being omitted from Pakistan's squad for next month's Test series against Sri Lanka.
Iqbal has not played international cricket since January 2010, but has procured a solid stretch of form at first-class and List A level this season, including a great century in the Pakistan International Airlines' President's Cup One-Day Tournament fixture against the Port Qasim Authority.
"I have a simple question: why is Faisal Iqbal being held from playing for Pakistan team. Who is the power behind my exclusion and why are they not allowing me to play? Since my debut in 2001 players who debuted around me went playing on and on and even had thousands of comeback in the side. And I was dropped after my third comeback without even playing me in the XI," Iqbal told <i>Geo Super</i>.
"What am I going to do? I am scoring runs in domestic cricket, but gradually I have even been dropped from the central contracts as well so where should I go and put my case? I am a senior player and have served the country and this should not be the way I should be treated."
All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, meanwhile, has been dropped – and batsman Umar Akmal recalled. The Sri Lankans and Pakistanis will meet for two Tests in Galle and Colombo between 6 and 18 August. Three ODIs will follow.
Latest
-
Test cricketShaheen Afridi relishes his Pakistan new-ball partnership with Hasan Ali
Shaheen Afridi has 44 Test wickets to his name this year while Hasan Ali has 39.
-
Test cricketVirat Kohli dismissal sparks furious debate over TV umpires and DRS
Virat Kohli fumes as TV umpires makes questionable call.
-
Test cricketOn this day in cricket history: Muttiah Muralitharan breaks Test wickets world record
The all-time great Sri Lanka off-spinner reached the landmark by bowling Paul Collingwood in the first Test against England in Kandy.
-
County CricketAndrew Gale and Martyn Moxon among 16 to leave Yorkshire due to racism crisis
The county have parted company with their entire coaching team in the wake of Azeem Rafiq racism investigation.
-
The AshesBen Stokes enjoys valuable batting practice during Ashes warm-up match
The all-rounder has been playing for the first time since taking an indefinite break from all cricket in July to prioritise his mental well-being.
-
Test cricketGlenn Maxwell upbeat on Australia Test recall chances with Asian tours looming
Maxwell keeps red-ball hopes alive.
-
The AshesMarnus Labuschagne not fazed by Australia captaincy snub focused on batting
Labuschagne is an emerging leader but wants to focus on his batting.
-
Test cricketVirat Kohli seeks ‘absolute clarity’ about Test tour of South Africa
Will it or won’t it?
-
The AshesChris Woakes wants racism and sexting scandals left out of Ashes sledging
The build-up to the first Test has been overshadowed by racism and sexism scandals.
-
The AshesAlex Carey replaces Tim Paine in Australia’s squad for first two Ashes Tests
Maiden Test awaits experienced ODI and T20I wicketkeeper-batsman.