Speaking with PakPassion.Net, Faisal Iqbal complained at the lack of interest shown towards him by selectors, his desired batting position within the team and being groomed as the next middle order batsman before being left out.

By Usama Ahmed (24th August, 2011)

For every fairy tale behind the selection of a player to play at the highest level, there are countless other stories of players who have promised a lot but fail to make the grade. Sadly, for Faisal Iqbal, this is a recurring nightmare.

During a Test career that spans over more than ten years, Faisal has just played 26 Tests and 18 One-day Internationals. During the last three years, he has been fielded in just five Tests. The right-handed batsman last represented the national team in the Sydney Test in January 2010 where the tourists succumbed to a shocking defeat after an outstanding start.

Speaking with PakPassion.Net, Faisal Iqbal complained at the lack of interest shown towards him by selectors, his desired batting position within the team and being groomed as the next middle order batsman before being left out.

Faisal began with listing his recent performances in the domestic circuit which, in his view, merited selection. He has averaged 40.50 in 5 matches, with a century and two half centuries during the recently concluded Pentagular Cup (List A). Before that, he scored 320 runs including one century and four fifties in six matches averaging 81 in the One-day Cup.

Faisal Iqbal expressed his disappointment at not receiving an invite to the recently conducted NCA camp in Lahore. “I have been playing cricket for 10 years, I am shocked I have never been called to the academy. No one has bothered to work with me.”

The 29 year old batsman felt he had always been treated poorly for reasons unknown to himself. He explained his trials and tribulations over the years and the lack of interest by coaches and selectors.

“The Academy or PCB think tank has never thought about how to use me properly. They have never done any planning for me in regards to my development. They have never helped me analyze my faults and haven’t guided me. I have always had to compile my own videos and analyze by myself. I have had to put in all of this hard work, alone.”

Faisal Iqbal continued to explain why he had recently taken the route of using the media to voice his concerns.

“I have been victimised by the PCB and this has forced me into speaking with the media. Over the years, I have been affected by this, but I decided to speak out now. Players are coming into the side that have performed for a year or two, while I have been performing for numerous years in the domestic circuit. “

When asked about whom the blame should be laid upon when it came to his “victimization”, Faisal without naming names blamed a whole host of people.

“The blame for the lack of attention towards me has to go to the selectors and the main PCB officials. No one comes forward and tell me what is wrong with my game. My performances are there for the selectors to see, but I don’t even get called to the academy. “

Faisal talked about being groomed for the middle order position during his younger days. He explained how he was guided towards becoming a replacement for Inzamam ul Haq and Mohammad Yousuf.

“I was being groomed for the middle order position amongst Inzamam ul Haq and Mohammad Yousuf. The point was for me to replace them after their retirements. However, even after they have left, I am being kept out of the side.”

Faisal Iqbal was aggrieved by the constant barrage he receives about having played 26 tests and 18 ODIs, already. Critics claim he has already received a decent amount of matches to prove himself. Faisal Iqbal was in total disagreement about this line of thinking.

“People always bring up how many matches I have played. They say I got a proper chance, but they don’t realize that players who made their debut after me have gotten lengthier runs in the side. Why do how many matches I have played get singled out?”

When asked whether he had made any contact with the selectors or PCB officials, he cited a recent meeting he had at the Pentangular Cup final.

“During the finals of the recent Pentangular cup, I got the chance to speak to the selectors. I told them about my fitness, form and past results. However, there comes a point where you start looking bad if you continue to bring up the same point. As a player, you are taught to let your performances do the talking, but it seems I have to talk about my performances, as well in order to get noticed.”

He concluded with an impassioned appeal directed at the PCB

"I appeal to the Chairman of PCB, governing board and other concerned officials to look into the matter of central contracts. I believe that I deserve a comeback and a contract as I have always been a disciplined cricketer. I am disappointed in the way I have been treated - just like others, I deserve consideration after a successful domestic performance. I would greatly appreciate if PCB look into my matter closely and do me justice.