Speculation about Imran Farhat's aligning with the Indian Cricket League
ended today when the Pakistani opener admitted that he has joined the rebel body.
Farhat's announcement came hours after experienced allrounder Abdul Razzaq's quitting
international cricket in protest against "the insulting and discriminatory
attitude" of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
"I have signed up because apparently they are not willing
to play me in the Pakistan team. So I have to play cricket somewhere
to earn a living. But I am always available for Pakistan," Farhat said.
"I want to play for Pakistan but I don't think I will
get a fair chance with this selection committee. It has not treated me fairly
or on merit.
"I am not happy at the way the selectors have treated
me. They have not made selections on merit and I had no option but to think
of my future," said Farhat, who has played 27 Tests for Pakistan.
Farhat said he had felt like an outsider in the national training
camp for the Twenty20 World Cup and consulted his family and friends before
taking the decision.
Farhat said he joined the ICL as he got a good chance to earn
a living.
"I had no option but to sign up with the ICL as they had
made a very good offer to me. For me playing in the Indian league as just like
playing for any other club in any country when I am not needed for national
duty," he added.
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