Inzamam still in Pakistan frame

Inzamam-ul-Haq may have a chance of playing for Pakistan again after all, after he was called-up for a session of fitness trials in September. The week-long camp will take place ahead of the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa and Pakistan’s tour there which follows.

Salahuddin Ahmed, the Chairman Of Selectors, told The News: “We have decided to invite a few players including Inzamam-ul-Haq to check their fitness for the Test series against South Africa.”

Two weeks ago the 37-year-old former captain, who retired from ODIs after Pakistan’s exit from the World Cup in March, was not offered a Central Contract by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the reason given was that the board preferred to give contracts only to those who made themselves available for both forms of the game. However, it had been stressed the door was not shut, and now Inzamam’s chances appear to be climbing again.

“It all depends on his fitness,” Salahuddin said. “If Inzamam proves his fitness, he could be selected for the series against South Africa.

“We have decided to arrange a one-week training camp ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup as it would be too difficult to have an idea of players’ fitness at the eleventh hour of the start of the series.”