LAHORE, June 14: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) retracted on Saturday its earlier decision to sideline Abdul Razzaq for the three-match one-day series against England by recalling the all-rounder as a replacement for the injured batsman Faisal Athar.

Chairman of selectors Aamir Sohail, as usual, came up with an illogical explanation when asked how Razzaq was now considered for selection when the selection committee had axed him for the England tour with the reason that Razzaq had looked fatigued and badly needed rest.

Aamir stated that the decision was taken at the request of Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif and the team management. “When the skipper demands a particular player during the course of a tour, the selection committee should cater to his requirement.”

It is worth mentioning here that during the tour of South  Africa prior to the World Cup, the then national captain, Waqar Younis, asked for fast bowler Faisal Afridi as a reinforcement, but Wasim Bari, who headed the previous selection committee, instead sent Fazle Akbar.

Aamir further said that considering the short period with the first game of the NatWest Challenge now just three days away, Razzaq was the best available choice since he is already in England playing for Middlesex.

Faisal was ruled out of the England one-dayers after sustaining a a finger injury during Pakistan’s 62-run victory against Northamptonshire on Wednesday.