Sarfraz Ahmed: “Whenever a squad is being formed everyone offers their opinion and then the final side is picked with mutual understanding and cooperation”
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Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has revealed that the decision to leave all-rounder Fawad Alam out of the Test team for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England was a mutual one.
Sarfraz’s comments come after chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq came under heavy criticism, especially as his nephew Imam-ul-Haq made the cut while Alam didn’t.
Alam has been one of the most consistent performers on the domestic circuit as his average for the past four seasons of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has been 40.71, 55.54, 56 and 71.90.
Alam’s omission from the Test squad has been heavily criticised by numerous former players, including legendary Pakistan left-arm seamer Wasim Akram and former wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif.
Defending the decision to leave Alam out, Sarfraz was quoted by the Daily Times as saying: “We have four selectors, a coach and a captain. Whenever a squad is being formed everyone offers their opinion and then the final side is picked with mutual understanding and cooperation.
“Squads aren’t selected unilaterally or without consultation – it doesn’t work that way. Sure, there is always a difference of opinion but it doesn’t mean that someone (Inzamam) was against someone’s (Alam) inclusion.
“It’s not that I didn’t vote for him. If it were up to me I would take all 25 players for the tour. But we have to select 16 so naturally some were included and some not.”
While Alam has been snubbed time and time again, Sarfraz made it clear that the 32-year-old still has an excellent chance of finding a place in the side in the future.
“Invariably, a few will get left out, and only 16 make the squad, but there is nothing to worry [about],” he said. “There is no problem for those who are not selected this time around, and it’s not like they will never be picked again.
“My hopes are very high and I am optimistic with these new boys. The best thing about them is that they are willing to perform on the big stage.”