Former captain Rashid Latif is expected to lead the Pakistan 'A' team on the forthcoming tour of New Zealand. The side departs on Oct 30.

According to highly placed sources, the wicket-keeper was contacted by the cricket authorities to seek his availability.

``He has communicated to us that he is available for the tour of New Zealand with Pakistan 'A' team,'' well placed sources said.

Sources said the selectors have been informed of this latest development ``and they have been asked to consider the wicket-keeper.''

They said the cricket administration has decided in principle to appoint Latif as captain. ``He is the best choice. He was the captain when Pakistan toured Africa earlier this year. Unfortunately, he lost his place in the national team but he still is one of our prime players.''

The selection committee is expected to meet next week to finalize the 14-man squad which is expected to comprise of cricketers who have recently represented Pakistan.

Shahid Nazir, Fazl-i-Akbar, Ali Husain Rizvi, Ali Naqvi, Hasan Raza, Faisal Iqbal, Abdul Razzak etc are few who are expected to be on the New Zealand-bound flight.

Sources said Bayazid Khan will not be considered for selection despite having led the Pakistan Under-19 team on the summer tour of England. ``He has quit cricket. He has proceeded to England for higher studies.''