LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is not part of the Pakistan cricket team, which is embarking on a challenging tour of South Africa in the wee hours of Sunday to play three Tests, two T20 and five One-day International matches.

Interestingly, the PCB chairman was quoted in the media when the national team was to tour India last month that Inzamam would not go to India but he would be hired as batting consultant for the next tour of South Africa.

“I am not in contact with the PCB since the tour of India and I am not a part of the team management,” said Inzamam. He had given some batting tips to Pakistan batsmen before the Indian tour.

Meanwhile, manager of the Pakistan team Naveed Akram Cheema said though there were three changes made in the team management, Inzamam was not assigned the duty.

Naveed said the team would leave for Dubai on Sunday morning and from there it will take a direct flight for South Africa.

He said the team was well prepared and the players would hopefully give top performance against the Proteas.

“Yes, South Africa is the top side in test rankings and they will also be enjoying home conditions. They are familiar with their pitches but our players are also in form as they did well against formidable sides like England, India and Sri Lanka,” he said.

Naveed claimed that the cricketers were getting maturity as they were looking more responsible in maintaining the discipline.

“We have adopted strict disciplinary measures which are taken positively by the players,” said Naveed.—Sports Reporter