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Paul Bolton, sports writer for The Sports HQ
Former Pakistan cricket captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has accused the Pakistan Cricket Board of bowing to pressure from the International Cricket Council by doing a U-turn on selecting players who have appeared in the ‘rebel’ Indian Cricket League.
Earlier in the week Pakistan announced a preliminary squad for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in England which included three players - Abdul Razzaq, Rana Naved-ul Hasan and Imran Nazir - with ICL links.
Pakistan said the trio were included subject to ICC approval, but they were quickly dropped them claiming that the three were not included in the 30-man list sent to the ICC.
But Inzamam, who uses a CA 10000 cricket bat, criticised the apparent about-turn.
"I think the PCB succumbed to the pressure from the ICC,” said Inzamam, who has also played in the ICL.
“If there were rules barring the PCB not to include the ICL players then why didn't our board know these rules.
Why is Pakistan taking pressure from the ICC and the BCCI? If they include ICL players then our team will become very strong and will perform better.
"Look at India. Pakistan and India were standing at the same place in 2007 after we both were knocked out of the World Cup in the first round but with ICL and IPL (Indian Premier League) they have gained a lot."
The ICL -- bankrolled in 2007 by India's largest media Group, Zee television -- was not recognised by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC and players taking part in it were barred by member countries.
But the high court in Pakistan's southern province of Sindh cleared all Pakistani players in the rebel league in February, paving the way for their return to domestic cricket and into contention for the national side.
Inzamam accused the ICC of fearing private leagues because of the threat to sponsorship deals.
"I see only one reason for the ICC's opposition to the ICL and that is they have to share finances as private leagues also take away sponsorships, which is a danger for them," said Inzamam.
"Why are we keeping ICL players away from international cricket? It's unjust and I hope the PCB reviews its decision. We must fight for the cause beneficial for us."
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