 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Sohail Tanvir, an uncapped left arm pacer, will replace disgraced fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in the Pakistan team for the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.
Tanvir, who took four for 47 in a one-day game against the touring Australian 'A' side in Sheikhupura, will fly to South Africa as soon as possible, according to chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed.
Shoaib was ordered to return home on Saturday by the touring team management after he was involved in an ugly fight with fellow pacer Mohammad Asif in the dressing room at the Centurion, a day earlier.
During the brawl, Shoaib in a fit of anger hit his teammate with a bat on his left thigh but Asif luckily escaped any major injury.
Salahuddin said Tanvir had been picked on the basis of his consistent performances in domestic cricket and also in the Pakistan camp held for the Twenty20 World Cup.
"He is a good prospect and talent. This is a good opportunity for him to show his worth as he is good with the bat as well." Tanvir, 22, has played just 19 first class matches and a total of 10 Twenty20 games for his hometown Rawalpindi in domestic cricket.
The Pakistan board has moved its application with the International Cricket Council for permission to replace Shoaib with Tanvir.