Inzamam to Play in Lahore Test

Javed Akhtar, Arab News

JEDDAH, 5 October 2007 — Former captain Inzamam ul-Haq will be accorded a dignified farewell from international cricket and will be picked in the squad for the second Test against South Africa, according to sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Inzamam, who retired from One-Day Internationals immediately after the disastrous first round exit from the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, had made himself unavailable for the first Test against South Africa being played in Karachi. He also queered the pitch somewhat by signing for the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) and his Test career seemed doomed due to the rigid anti-ICL stance of the PCB. Three other Pakistanis — middle order batsman Mohammed Yousuf, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and opening batsman Imran Farhat have also reportedly signed to play for the ICL. The team for the second Test to be played at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium from Monday, Oct. 8 will be announced today. “Yes, Inzamam has made himself available for the second Test and he will be considered for selection in the team,” said chairman of national selectors Salahuddin Ahmed “Sallu” in a telephone interview from Karachi. Inzamam is reported to be match-fit since he was playing in the County Cricket Championship for Yorkshire. PCB sources told Arab News that Chairman Dr. Nasim Ashraf is in favor of letting Inzamam quit the international arena with honor and dignity. “In view of his long and outstanding services for the country, it is only fair that he is given a fond farewell,” the sources added. Many remember the example of Australia’s Steve Waugh who left the scene as a hero. Inzamam, 37, has played 119 Tests and 378 One-Day Internationals. He has scored 8,813 runs in Test cricket and needs 20 runs more to overtake Javed Miandad as the leading scorer for Pakistan. Yousuf is also set to return to the side for the second Test against South Africa. Sources said that both Inzamam and Yousuf had made themselves available for the Lahore Test. “Yousuf is already training with the team while Inzamam will join them by tomorrow,” said the source. Yousuf pulled out of the first Test due to a lack of match fitness on Monday. “With the Indian tour also coming up from next month and with Australia due next year, the feeling is the presence of these two is required in an inexperienced middle order,” the source said.