da spicy bet： Noises coming from the board in recent months suggest Inzamam may not be a part of Pakistan’s next Test squad against South Africa but the selectors have publicly said he will be called to the probables camp
Osman Samiuddin29-Jul-2007
All in favour say ‘Aye’: “Players who are out of favour, or not international cricketers, or who are nearing the end of their careers will rightly see this as an opportunity to benefit financially”, says Inzamam-ul-Haq © AFP
Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain, is the latest international star to have been approached by the Indian Cricket League (ICL).Inzamam, who announced his retirement from one-day cricket after Pakistan’sfailed World Cup campaign, confirmed that ICL officials had contacted him. “They have been in touch with me and I am considering their offer,” Inzamam told Cricinfo. “If the terms are right, I will play.”The parallel league has stirred the cricket world, evoking visions of aKerry Packer-style circuit. The players it has targeted so far, however, are those who have retired from international cricket in one form or another. Brian Lara has already signed on, while Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Stephen Fleming have also expressed an interest.The PCB announced recently that centrallycontracted players would be unable to join the league but kept the door open for ex-internationals or players not contracted.Nasim Ashraf, PCB chairman, told that any player joining the leaguewould be ruled out of future internationals. “Our position on the breakaway Indian league is clear and firm. Since it [league] is not approved by the ICC any player joining it will not be considered for future selection. No current player will be allowed to sign the league and all cricket boards of the world have this same stance.”Inzamam said he believed the league would ultimately benefit Indiancricket itself. “What harm is there if it means that more people willwatch cricket, come to the grounds and watch stars in action? It furthersthe profile of cricket.”Inzamam did acknowledge that ultimately the choice will come down to financialbenefits to the player. “Players who are out of favour, or not international cricketers, or who are nearing the end of their careers will rightly see this as an opportunity to benefit financially and I don’t see anything wrong with that.”For younger players too, there are rewards. Playing alongside playerssuch as Lara or McGrath can only be a good thing for your development as ayoung player.”Inzamam’s own international future is currently uncertain. Though he hasleft one-day cricket, he wants to carry on playing Test cricket “for as longas I feel I am performing.” Noises coming from the board in recentmonths suggest Inzamam may not be a part of Pakistan’s next Test squadagainst South Africa but the selectors have publicly said he will becalled to the probables camp for the series in September and October.Inzamam is currently Pakistan’s second-highest run-scorer in Tests, just 19 runs behind Javed Miandad and he plans to fight for his place. “I want to pass 10,000 Test runs and I believe I am capable of doing that, given the opportunity.”He has limited opportunities to prove his form and fitness to selectors,however. Pakistan’s domestic season is not due to start till December.Reports linked him to some county sides earlier in the season but thoseplans have fallen through. Until the season starts, Inzamam will play clubcricket for Lahore Gymkhana.