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
-
EnglandMarcus Trescothick says Andrew Flintoff ‘sprinkling gold-dust’ on England team
Flintoff was initially enlisted for four ODIs against New Zealand but has hung around for the Ireland series.
-
EnglandAxed Jason Roy urged to remain positive with World Cup role still a possibility
The big-hitting opener was replaced by Harry Brook in England’s squad for the World Cup.
-
EnglandECB unable to commit to ICEC report’s equal pay targets for men and women
The ICEC report said women were treated as “second class citizens” in cricket.
-
EnglandECB set to publish response to damning report on discrimination in cricket
Richard Thompson, chair of the ECB, unreservedly apologised when the ICEC’s findings were published in June.
-
EnglandSam Hain reveals sleepless night before impressive England debut
The Warwickshire batter scored 89 to set up a win over Ireland in the second ODI.
-
EnglandWill Jacks pleased to take his chance to impress in England success
The batter made a dazzling 94 off 88 balls in the one-day international win over Ireland at Trent Bridge.
-
EnglandSam Hain and Will Jacks star as new-look England beat Ireland at Trent Bridge
Teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed collected four for 54 as Ireland were all out for 286.
-
EnglandWill Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland
Jacks made 94 off 88 balls while Hain hit 89 in the second one-day international.
-
County CricketSurrey close on title as rivals Essex beaten by Liam Dawson-inspired Hampshire
The reigning champions are 20 points clear of second-placed Essex heading into the final round of fixtures.
-
EnglandBen Duckett at peace with World Cup omission and looking forward to India series
The batter has switched focus to his next duel.