Woolmer overruled in selection

Despite his successes for Surrey, Azhar Mahmood is not in the Pakistan team's thoughts

Coach Bob Woolmer has had his request for all-rounder Azhar Mahmood to be added to the Pakistan squad for the tour of South Africa turned down by the PCB selection committee, it has been revealed.

Mahmood has been in excellent form for Islamabad and was the leading wicket-taker in this season’s Quaid Trophy match.

Woolmer, who is concerned by injury problems within the Pakistan squad, would like to utilise Mahmood’s experience of South African conditions.

In an email sent to selectors Woolmer said: “We are facing injury problems and in case Shoaib Malik or Umar Gul get unfit to figure in the rest of the series, Azhar Mahmood who has got a vast experience of playing in South Africa should be considered for selection.”

However, it appears the selection committee do not see Mahmood as part of their plans for the forthcoming World Cup in the West Indies and that his experience at the 2003 tournament held in South Africa does not warrant a recall for this tour.

A member of the selection committee who didn’t wish to be named said: “We are in a process of raising a good combination for the World Cup and Azhar does not fit in our team.

“There he did not play the role of a genuine standby player and it was apparent that the team had the services of just 13 players. There are so many players waiting in the wings and we have no plan to go back to square one.”

An official for the Islamabad Cricket Association, Mahmood’s club side, said: “If Woolmer wants him, the selectors should have considered him for selection as he is in a good form.”