LAHORE, June 30: Skipper Inzamamul Haq and a national selector on Wednesday at odds over the naming of the Pakistan squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Ehteshamuddin, a national selector, told reporters that the Pakistan squad would be announced on July 7.

The former Test pacer said the selection committee wanted to give Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, enough time to assess all the 26 probables at the ongoing training camp at the Qadhafi Stadium.

Woolmer, who earlier this month replaced Javed Miandad, is expected to arrive on Friday to take up his new assignment. However, Inzamam said that he would advise the selectors to name the final squad as soon as possible to allow Woolmer the chance to train them properly.

"We have 14 batsmen in the camp and it's difficult to give each of them adequate time. It would make sense to select the final team and concentrate on it," he remarked. Asked if the selectors wanted to consult Woolmer before deciding the squad, Inzamam said that since the new coach was appointed for three years, he had a lot of time to see the boys.

He said that the PCB had already set up the camp for a short duration and entertaining the lot was just waste of the time. Commenting on the fitness level test conducted by new trainer Murray Stevenson, Inzamam said that it was a stressful exercise but worthy.

He noted that in the past, he did not go through such a tough physical test. The Pakistan captain refused to comment on the continuous absence of the controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, and said the PCB was in a better position to answer. However, Ehtesham added that Shoaib could be considered for selection if he reported at the camp by Thursday.

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...