ICC refuses Pakistan late changes

KARACHI, Sept 8: Pakistan were Sunday disallowed late changes in their squad for this week's ICC Champions Trophy in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo.

A spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the International Cricket Council (ICC) barely agreed to make one substitution but rejected more than that.

That meant Azhar Mahmood made the way for Misbah-ul-Haq while the Saeed Anwar and Imran Nazir escaped the axe. But in the entire scenario, Imran Farhat was the unlucky lad when he was held back in Lahore despite being booked on a Sunday flight for Colombo.

Two more changes were made in the team management when Sikander Bakht and Dr Aamir Siddique were sent back. It was in lieu of ICC's playing conditions in which 14 players and two officials are allowed.

"According to ICC's rules, no changes can be made after the deadline for submission of teams. Changes are only allowed in case of any injury to any player," the spokesman said.

The ICC had set Aug 30 as deadline for all participating teams to finalize and submit their respective squads.

Insiders said the Pakistan team management pleaded that Azhar was not cent percent fit as he was struggling with a shoulder injury.

"The discussions (with the ICC) were going on for some days as we wanted to make a couple of changes in the team. But our request was spurned," the spokesman said.

ICC's stand proved to be a blessing in disguise for at least Saeed Anwar who is a class act but has been struggling for form recently. He has aggregated just 151 runs from eight matches - a performance that contradicts his talent and potential. Nevertheless, form is temporary and class is permanent and there is no reason why Saeed cannot bounce back and show his magical touch that is so very crucial to Pakistan's chances in the tournament.

Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the tournament opener Thursday.

Squad: Waqar Younis (captain), Inzamam-ul-Haq (vice-captain), Saeed Anwar, Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, Shoaib Malik, Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif, Abdul Razzaq, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami.

Officials: Yawar Saeed (manager), Mudassar Nazar (coach), Dennis Waight (physio/trainer) and Riaz Ahmad (doctor).