Sami Aslam: “I am mystified as to why I am suddenly deemed not good enough for the squad or for a central contract”
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Pakistan opener Sami Aslam has expressed his frustrations at being overlooked for the national team and not having a central contract.
Aslam has represented Pakistan in 13 Tests and four ODIs to date, but has failed to make the most of his opportunities as he averages 31.58 and 19.50 respectively.
The 22-year-old admitted that not being among the players that have been awarded central contracts is a bitter pill to swallow.
“I’m not a bit disappointed, I am very disappointed,” he told PakPassion. “I was included in the squad for the tour of England and then to be totally out of the reckoning for the 33 players awarded central contracts is hugely disappointing.”
Aslam also admitted that he cannot understand why the national selectors are snubbing him, even though he has been performing on the domestic circuit.
“I have no idea as last season in domestic cricket I performed really well amongst all the formats, so I am mystified as to why I am suddenly deemed not good enough for the squad or for a central contract,” he said.
The Lahore native added that it was tough to sit on the sidelined throughout the two-Test series against England, and added what is even more frustrating is the fact that he has not received any messages or calls from the team management to explain why he has been dropped from the squad.
He has also heard nothing as to why he wasn’t offered a central contract, and what aspect of his game he should improve upon in order to regain his spot in the national team.
“When I went to England, I thought I would get a chance to play having done well on the tour of England in 2016, so mentally I was ready to play and perform and I thought I would be in the starting eleven,” he said. “So, when you are part of a touring party and you never even get a chance to play then there will be some disappointment. But perhaps the team management had other ideas, that only they can explain.”
He added: “I’ve had no messages or calls about this. I don’t get what the reasons are behind my not even getting a central contract.”