Dissent over Misbah's selection in Pak Test team

Karachi:

Another controversy is brewing in Pakistan cricket over the selection of senior batsman Misbah-ul-Haq for the three-Test series in New Zealand starting from November 24.

Last month, Misbah was dropped from the ODI and Test side that tours New Zealand as the national selectors felt he needed to go back to domestic cricket to regain his form.

However with Muhammad Yousuf taking over from Younis Khan as the new skipper for the Test tour of New Zealand, his first demand has been the inclusion of Misbah in the team for the three Tests series.

Sources close to the selectors said that they were not very keen to bring back Misbah for the New Zealand tour mainly because of his attitude towards domestic cricket.

"Yousuf and some other players spoke to the Chairman of the Pakistan cricket Board, Ejaz Butt asking him to have Misbah sent to New Zealand and he agreed to their request," one source said.

"But the selectors after a meeting in Lahore are still not convinced it is necessary to send Misbah and want to talk to the Chairman on the issue before announcing any replacement for Younis Khan who has pulled out of the Test series to take a break from international cricket," the source added.

The source said the selectors were unhappy with the attitude of Misbah who had skipped the Quaid-e-Azam tournament after the first few rounds to play in the professional league in Bangladesh after getting permission from the board.

"The selectors feel that the players should not be allowed to devalue domestic cricket and Misbah must play more matches of the Quaid Trophy before he is considered for the Pakistan team," the source added.

Chief selector Iqbal Qasim said it was not necessary that Misbah should be sent to New Zealand.

"The selectors have their point of view of looking at things but a final decision would be made once the Chairman returns to Lahore on November 20. His word would be final," Qasim said.

Sources said since Misbah had already got a visa stamped on his passport for the New Zealand tour as he was among the reserves list he could be rushed to New Zealand at a short notice.