Iqbal steps in to fill Inzy void
Inzamam will serve out his punishment while his compatriots play in the Champions Trophy
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Tuesday, 03, Oct 2006 09:20
Faisal Iqbal has been called up to replace banned skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Officially the participants in the one-day tournament can only substitute players because of injury.
However, the organisers have been lenient in light of Inzamam's four-match ban after he was found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute.
The punishment, handed down as part of the investigation into the forfeited Oval Test against England this summer, would have ruled Inzamam out of the competition until the final.
At 24 Iqbal lacks the experience of the veteran batsman, but, in spite of being left out of the team for nearly three years, he has played in 17 one-day internationals averaging just over 21 runs.
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer is keen for his side to concentrate on their own performances as they prepare for next March's World Cup.
"Losing Inzamam is a big setback as he is such an experienced player and top class batsman," said Woolmer.
"But his absence can't be helped and I would be hoping the boys will put everything behind them and try to do their best."
Woolmer also confirmed that Younis Khan would lead the team into their first clash on October 17th.