The three ICL cricketers from Pakistan named in the ICC T20 World Cup probables are living in hope.
While the PCB has picked Abdul Razzaq, Rana Naved-ul Hasan and Imran Nazir in the pool of 30, the players are not sure whether the ICC will grant them permission, even though the PCB has lifted the ban on them.
“We are anxiously waiting for the ICC clearance,” said Naved-ul. “Months after Pakistan’s 2007 World Cup exit, I returned through my stint with the Sussex County Cricket Club. I had dislocated my shoulder and was forced to remain out of cricket for a long time. No board official called me up and despite clearing fitness tests, I wasn’t given a central contract. That forced me to join ICL,” he added.
Naved-ul is excited after seeing his name in the probables. “It has been a long wait for all of us to play for Pakistan again and this is our opportunity. The present board officials are cooperative and they have showed a willingness to get us back. It would be great to be back in Pakistan colours again.”
This doesn’t mean they have foregone their ICL contracts. “Younis Khan had spoken to us to consider playing for Pakistan and he had agreed to broker the move. We have mentioned our availability for the PCB on paper, but can’t terminate our ICL contracts unless offered a central contract.”
{{/usCountry}}This doesn’t mean they have foregone their ICL contracts. “Younis Khan had spoken to us to consider playing for Pakistan and he had agreed to broker the move. We have mentioned our availability for the PCB on paper, but can’t terminate our ICL contracts unless offered a central contract.”
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