Aamer Sohail hits out at Pakistan Board over omission (14 January 1999)

14 January 1999

Aamer Sohail hits out at Pakistan Board over omission

AFP

KARACHI, Jan 14 (AFP) - Former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail Thursday expressed his dismay at being axed from the India-bound Pakistan squad and lashed out at cricket board officials.

"I am really disappointed at being dropped because I wanted to play a Test against India before retiring but I think they don't need me anymore," Aamer told AFP from his Lahore residence.

The 32-year-old ex-captain who led Pakistan in the last home season during which Pakistan lost back to back home series against Australia and Zimbabwe walked out of the team after a row with a selector before the second Test against Zimbabwe in Lahore.

Chief selector Wasim Bari said Aamer did not attend the training camp so his name was not considered.

Pakistan Cricket Board said Aamer sent a message via the Internet informing the board he was not fit to go on the tour.

"I have never sent any message and nobody asked me about my fitness," Aamer retorted. "I had a chest infection but that was no reason to drop me," he said claiming the selectors had grudge against him.

"In the past many players were selected without attending the camp but in my case they found a pretext to drop me," he said.

"In the last season the selectors asked Saeed Anwer and Inzamam-ul-Haq about their fitness but nobody asked me, it is their dual standard."

Aamer refused to accept his career was over.

"I will play in the domestic season and will fight to no limits to regain my place in the team," he vowed.

He denied he avoided the camp as he did not want to play with players who he has accused of involvement in match fixing and betting.

"The case is in the court and I have nothing against anyone. I have given evidence against some players. It is up to the court to decide," he said.

About his walk out from the team in the Lahore Test last December he said: "I was seriously ill and that was why I did not play in the second Test against Zimbabwe but it did not mean that I should be replaced as captain."

Source :: AFP