I was expecting to be included in Pakistan team: Naved

KARACHI - Banned all-rounder Rana Naved is “deeply disappointed” after being ignored in Pakistan’s 35-man preliminary squad for the upcoming Asian Cup and England tour.

The all-rounder said he was a expecting a place in the team after reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will include all the banned players in the team.

“I am deeply disappointed at not being picked in the team, it’s a huge shock for me”, Rana told IANS.

The all-rounder who was one of the seven Pakistan players to face action by the PCB following the team’s failure on the Australia tour said the inclusion of other banned players in the team hurts even more.

“Other banned players like Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan were selected, why I am not there? I was also hoping for a berth in national team,” he said.

Rana, a former Indian Cricket League (ICL) player, said he would continue to strive to win his place back in the national team.

“It’s a decision of the selectors and I have to accept their decision in any way but I will continue the hard work to retain my place in team,” he said.

The all-rounder who is fighting a case against his one-year ban also expressed dissatisfaction on the hearings and called for open proceedings of the case.

“I am not satisfied with the hearings in which we are not allowed to give our version… the hearings should be made public,” he said.