Malik's inclusion explained by Ashraf

Karachi: The Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Zaka Ashraf has made it clear that the last minute inclusion of Shoaib Malik in the recently-concluded ODI and Twenty20 series against England in UAE was not made under any pressure.

"I would like to get the facts right. There was no players power involved," said Ashraf.

Clarifying that captain Misbah-ul-Haq stated a logical reason for including Malik in the team, Ashraf explained, "The selection committee initially picked the squad for the one-day series without Malik. But Misbah-ul-Haq called me up and told me that he felt Malik should be in the team.

\"I would like to get the facts right. There was no players power involved,\" said Ashraf.

"Misbah contended that since he was in the UAE and he knew better than the selectors that Malik could prove to be very useful for the one-day series because of his ability to bowl and also because the pitches were helping spinners."

The PCB chief claimed that he accepted Misbah's request after a long discussion with the selectors.

"My point of view was that if the captain wanted a player, let him have him. My feeling was that if we didn't accept Misbah's request and if the team lost then all the blame would come on us," Ashraf told the 'Express'.

Ashraf also said that another reason for allowing Malik's inclusion in the side was to give him a fair chance.

"I want to ensure no senior player feels he is being wronged and at the end of the day if Malik doesn't perform then everything is clear," he said.

The PCB chief also informed that he intended to make some changes in the national selection committee as it lacked the representation from the Sindh province.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)