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The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt Gen Tauqir Zia has "strongly" defended the inclusion of young Faisal Iqbal as 16th player for next week's Sharjah Cup.

Tauqir, in a press statement, admitted that Faisal had been included in the side on his instructions but dismissed claims that he had taken the decision under any pressure. He termed the criticizm on Faisal's inclusion as "most unfair".

"It is a declared policy of the PCB to groom the potential players and give them the necessary exposure. "It is of paramount importance to keep those players in harness who are on the fringe and can be useful to the team in the build up for the World Cup.

"Faisal Iqbal has been with the Pakistan squad for the last one and a half year and has also performed well in the domestic season. It was, therefore, felt that he should be included as the 16th player, a decision that I took purely on merit and without any pressure whatsoever," Tauqir said.

Faisal will be proceeding at non-playing member as according to tournament rules, only 15 players can take part. However, Faisal can replace any injured player which appears to be the case as Younis Khan and Yousuf Youhana are on casualty list.

© Dawn