KARACHI: Former chief selector Iqbal Qasim has questioned selection of left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman in Pakistan team saying his induction has exposed spin attack of the national team.

“Frankly speaking, Rehman does not deserve a place in Pakistan team after bowling full-toss wides against Bangladesh in this year’s Asia Cup,” said the former Test spinner on Monday.

Rehman was barred from bowling by umpire Johan Cloete after the left- arm slow bowler bowled three full-toss wides.

“Rehman had been struggling in recent times and Zulfiqar Babar would have been a good choice,” Iqbal commented, adding: “Was Zulfiqar given a place in the team it would have benefitted the team.”

He said that apart from slow and cautious batting, spinners were not up to the mark.

Saeed Ajmal played his part by taking five wickets after being wicketless in the first innings, commented Iqbal, adding: “We needed wickets from Ajmal in his 10-15 overs to put opponents under pressure.”

He said Pakistan were under immense pressure after 7-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in a match which seemed to be heading towards a draw.

“Pakistan needed to come up with a new vigor in all areas of the game to level the 2-match series,” remarked Iqbal.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2014