Inzamam backs out

Inzamam-ul-Haq has refused to represent the World XI in next month's Super Test against Australia, after an apparent mix-up in communication with the Pakistan board.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board had given me an understanding that I would be in both the World XIs (ODI and Test)," the Pakistan captain told the Press Trust of India on Monday from Lahore, "but till today, they have not conveyed to me about my selection. I have already read about my selection in the newspapers."

The Pakistan board announced that Inzamam would be in both teams on Wednesday, but two days later the ICC said that he would feature in the six-day Super Test squad only, and as a replacement for Sachin Tendulkar at that. He was omitted from the one-dayers, with the ICC instead naming Chris Gayle and Rahul Dravid as replacements for Sachin Tendulkar and Herschelle Gibbs.

"At this stage of my career, I deserve respect and nothing else," said Inzamam. "I am not pleased at all with whatever has happened. Having played cricket with respect and distinction, I don't deserve this at the fag end of my career."

He added that if he was not representing the World XI in the Test match, there was no question of his participating in the Captains Conference and 2nd ICC Annual Awards. "I will not go to Australia for just one match. I have not conveyed my decision to the cricket board and there is no need for this because they have not yet communicated to me about my selection."