Razzaq out, Kamran to lead Hong Kong Super Sixes squad
Pakistani selectors on Monday, left out experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from a seven-member squad to be captained by wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal for the Hong Kong Super Sixes tournament to be held later this month.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: October 15, 2012 10:57 pm IST
Pakistani selectors on Monday, left out experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from a seven-member squad to be captained by wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal for the Hong Kong Super Sixes tournament to be held later this month.
Razzaq, who has been issued a showcause notice for making negative remarks about the national T20 captain Mohammad Hafeez, was initially considered to be a certain selection for the Hong Kong Sixes squad.
But on Monday, the selectors, apparently on the instructions of the Cricket Board, did not consider him for the tournament to be held on October 27 and 28.
Razzaq created controversy by blaming the captain for his exclusion from the World Twenty20 semi-final against Sri Lanka which Pakistan lost by 16 runs, describing the decision as "illogical and taken only by Hafeez".
Besides Kamran, the squad includes his brother Umar, Tanvir Ahmed, Ovais Zia, Hammad Azam, Junaid Khan and leg-spinner Yasir Shah.
The selectors also ignored another seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik and dashing opener Imran Nazir for the tournament though both performed well last year in the same event taking the team to the final.
"Razzaq's selection is obviously not on the cards now as he is facing disciplinary proceedings over his remarks. He will only be cleared for national selection once the board looks at his reply and decides next line of action," a Board official said.
According to sources close to the all-rounder, Razzaq had sent his response to the Board's notice and in it has apologised for his remarks.
"Razzaq has apologised for his remarks and said he did not mean to offend anyone and had said things in general terms and got emotional," a source said.
Razzaq also maintained in his reply that he has no personal grievances or problems with Hafeez.
The source said that Razzaq had also said that Hafeez was a good friend of his and he would not give him a chance to complain again.