October 05, 2007	Friday	Ramazan 22, 1428

KARACHI, Oct 4: Even as the Pakistan Cricket Board chief, Dr Nasim Ashraf, meets Inzamam-ul-Haq to discuss his future, skipper Shoaib Malik reportedly does not want him back in the team which may become a crucial factor in deciding the former captain’s fate.

The selection committee is facing a dilemma as they feel, Inzamam with an experience of 119 Tests should prolong his Test career for the coming Indian tour and the home series against Australia.

They want Inzamam to put any retirement plans on a back-burner for a few months but Shoaib is reluctant to have his former captain back as he thinks that he could have a negative influence in the dressing room.

“Inzamam is due arrive in Karachi shortly and will meet with the PCB chairman and selectors to take a decision on his immediate future,” one source said.

“Originally the idea remains that Inzamam should announce his retirement before playing in the second Test at Lahore against South Africa, but now the selectors are having a second thought.” he said.

Even though a respectable send-off and financial rewards have been promised to Inzamam for his retirement, the growing feeling is that it would be beneficial for the team if Inzamam tours India for the Test series and appears against Australia early next year and then retires, the source added.—Agencies