Naved questions Pak selectors for ignoring him

Disappointed at being ignored from the list of probables for the Asia Cup and the subsequent tour of England, out-of-favour Pakistan all-rounder Rana Naved has questioned the selectors decision to include other banned players Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik in the 35-man chart.

Apart from former captain Mohammad Yousuf, who has retired from international cricket, Rana is the lone player out of the seven banned or fined by the Pakistan Cricket Board in March, who did not feature in the list of probables announced on Tuesday.

Interestingly, former captains Younis and Malik, who too were banned and fined by the PCB, were also conditionally included in the 35-member list which will be culled down before the two events.

Rana, who is facing one-year ban and fine of two million rupees, said he was baffled by the selectors step-motherly attitude towards him.

"They (Shoaib Malik and YounisKhan) are also banned and have appealed against their penalties. I am also under a ban and have appealed against it. So why I have been singled out," he said from England where he is playing county cricket.

Rana said he was hoping for some kind of reprieve from the PCB and was expecting to represent Pakistan in England.

"May be I will get my chance. I have not given up hope. If I can celebrate at my selection, I can also accept that they (selectors) have not picked me this time," he said.

The all-rounder said he would try to speak to the selectors to find out the reason of his exclusion.

"My performance has been as good as some of the other players," Rana said.

 Rana said he was not even aware of the selectors' decision to include banned players in the probables list.

"I have learnt it from the media. I was sure if the penalised players were considered I would also be given a chance," he said.

Interestingly in the video recordings of the inquiry committee proceedings leaked out recently, Rana was heard telling the members that he did not want to be part of any team politics or groupings.

"I have always played my cricket on my own basis and performances. I told others I don't want to be involved in groups and these things," he said.