Nazir, Khalil and Haider may return to Pakistan team

Lahore Dashing opener Imran Nazir, left-handed fast bowler M Khalil and wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider likely to make to the Pakistan's cricket team as the cricket board is keen to bring them back, it is learnt here on Saturday. The selectors will announce Pakistan squad for Bangladesh tour on Monday and it is likely that some top players likely to be recalled. "The selectors have decided to wait until the fourth one-day international against Sri Lanka today (Sunday) after which they will finalise the squad," a source added. The source said that there were issues over the final make up of the team as the PCB was interested in recalling some forgotten players. "Imran Nazir, M Khalil and Zulqarnain Haider are among those whose names are being considered for the coming tour," the source disclosed. He said the new PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf is taking keen interest in the selection of the touring squad. Imran Nazir, an aggressive opener represented Pakistan in eight Tests, 89 ODIs and 16 Twenty20 internationals, has not played for Pakistan since 2010. He last played against England in Dubai in a T20 series and his last ODI was against New Zealand in the 2009 Champions Trophy. "There are people in the board who are big supporters of Imran Nazir and want to see him back in action. To add to the problems, Imran Nazir is presently playing for Zarai Taraqyati Bank in domestic cricket which was headed by Zaka until he took over as PCB chief last month. "So there are people in the ZTBL cricket set up who are trying to convince the PCB chairman to give Imran Nazir and the other players a chance," the source added. Interestingly, wicketkeeper Haider and Khalil also play for ZTBL on the domestic circuit. The source also said the selectors were worried that the influential people in the board were taking the tour to Bangladesh too lightly. Under the existing PCB regulations, the chairman has the power to veto the selectors and tell them to include or drop players. Former chairman, Ijaz Butt is said to have used his veto power on many occasions with the selection committee.