No personal grudge in Shoaib's exclusion: Inzamam

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has scotched speculation that personal grudge against Shoaib Akhtar had resulted in the fast bowler being excluded from the squad for South Africa.

"I do not want to comment on this, but all that is being reported is not correct. The selectors feel he needs more time to regain match fitness and we are hoping he will join us for the one-day series in South Africa," Inzamam told reporters prior to the team's departure for Johannesburg on Tuesday night.

The Pakistan media had cited a rift between Inzamam and Shoaib as the reason for the latter's exclusion, even after the fast bowler was cleared of doping charges.

However, seamer Mohammad Asif, who was also cleared along with Shoiab, was picked for the Test series against South Africa.

Some newspapers had reported that Inzamam put his foot down in the selectors' meeting and refused to have Shoaib in the squad. But a visibly irritated Inzamam denied that he had any problems with his teammate.

"The selectors have picked a balanced squad particularly in the pace department. Shoaib has not played cricket for the last three months, but I have no doubt that if he proves himself match fit after playing domestic cricket, he will get a chance to come back," said Inzamam.

However, well-informed sources confirmed that Inzamam, who has regained his position of authority after the home series win over West Indies, did have a say in Shoaib not being picked for the Test series.

Sources said Shoaib was very upset and angry with his exclusion and blamed his captain for it.

On his team's chances in South Africa, Inzamam said he was confident that his players have the strength and talent to put up good performance during the tour.

"We have the experience and players to perform well. But it is a question of team effort and giving our best," he said.

He admitted that the South Africa tour would play a crucial role in Pakistan's build-up for the World Cup.

"Obviously if we do well on this tour it would build our confidence for the World Cup," he said.