LAHORE, Feb 13: None of the cricket selectors turned up to face the national press as Pakistan Cricket Board announced the 15-member World Cup squad on Tuesday.

Chief selector Wasim Bari, who had announced the squad for the 2003 World Cup before a well organised, crowded press conference in Lahore, was nowhere to be seen on this important occasion and it was left to board’s Director Communication, Dr Ahsan Hameed Malik to quickly announce the team, snubbing the media queries regarding some contentious selections for the mega event.

"I will only announce the names of the players. I am sorry but I am not in a position to answer your questions," was the reply from Ahsan.

Asked why chief selector was not present on this vital occasion, the director said Bari had informed the PCB that he would only send the names of the squad and will not be holding any press conference for the purpose.

"If any journalist wants to ask anything from the chief selector, he may ring him up," said Ahsan while giving out Bari’s cell number to the reporters present.