Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shahzad eligible for future selection

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to give the experienced pair Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad another go to prove their credentials with the Pakistan team. With that, their chance of being picked for the only Twenty20 international against England next month is enhanced further.

Shahzad has been a regular member of the squad in all three formats of the game whereas Umar was playing only in the shortest format after being axed from Tests in 2011 and one-day after the World Cup 2015. Both of them were not selected for the 5-match ODI series against England.

Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan have openly spoken that both the cricketers were punished for indiscipline. They were involved in disciplinary issues during the Pakistan Cup, which became the reason for not being included in the Army Boot Camp ahead of the tour of England.

However, some sources said that there were political lobbies who were put pressure on PCB officials to forgive them. That seems to have paid off and on Thursday PCB chairman met Umar.

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According to the PCB release, the chairman had a one-on-one meeting with Umar Akmal to intimidate him with the reasons for his exclusion. An interaction with Ahmad Shahzad will also be conducted once he returns from abroad.

“The PCB chairman called in Umar for a one-on-one meeting and explained to him the reasons for his exclusion from the national team on disciplinary grounds. Umar committed himself to avoiding future incidents of indiscipline and dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the cause of the team,” a PCB release said.

“Accordingly, PCB chairman has informed the chief selector that Umar would be eligible for future selection. A similar interaction is proposed with Ahmad Shahzad on his return from abroad,” the release added.

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