KARACHI, Sept 1: The Chairman of National Selection Committee, Salahuddin Ahmed, on Saturday dispelled the impression that Hasan Raza, Asim Kamal and Mohammad Sami were excluded from the Pakistan ‘A’ squad for the one-day series against Australia ‘A’ on the basis of any discrimination.

The chief selector said the Karachi-based trio is still in contention for selection during the coming series.

“I want to explain the exact situation. The squad (which was named on Friday) has been picked for the first one-day game. We felt that Hasan Raza, who is a very good player, would suit the team better in the longer version of the game,” Salahuddin told Dawn.

He further said that Hasan not only remains in contention for the two four-day fixtures against the Australians but the selectors could still recall the 25-year-old Hasan for the remaining two one-day matches if the situation required.

“Asim Kamal was not considered for selection because he didn’t participate in the training camp at the time of selection. He had left for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. But Asim is in our plans for the four-day matches,” the chief selector added.

About Mohammad Sami, Salahuddin clarified that the fast bowler needed at least 10 more days to recover from a viral infection as well as a groin injury.

“Sami is unfit at the moment. But once he recovers and proves his match-fitness, he will be definitely considered for the four-day fixtures,” he concluded.

Australia ‘A’, led by all-rounder Adam Voges, were scheduled to arrive in Lahore late on Saturday. The one-day matches are slated for Lahore (Sept 5 and 9) and Sheikhupura (Sept 7). The first four-day game begins in Faisalabad from Sept12 and the second from Sept 19 in Lahore.