I did not select Nazir in World Cup squad, says Woolmer

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer on Friday distanced himself from faltering opener Imran Nazir saying that he did not select the player in the 15-man World Cup squad.“Imran Nazir was picked by the chairman of selectors and you should ask him why he is here,” Woolmer told Pakistani reporters when asked to comment on Imran Nazir failure to find form in recent matches.It is commonly believed that the Pakistan team these days is decided by the team captain and coach with the approval of the national selection committee that is headed by former Test cricketer Wasim Bari.When Imran Nazir was preferred in the squad over the more solid Yasir Hameed and the more experienced Imran Farhat, a few eye brows were raised.Now that the flamboyant batsman has been unable to find any form in the lead up to the World Cup and the opening game against the West Indies, questions are being asked as to why Imran Nazir is a part of the Pakistan team in such an important event.Woolmer is apparently unhappy with the way Imran has been playing but makes it clear that he doesn’t have many options.“You can send back players and bring in new ones. The tournament rules do not allow it,” he said.Woolmer said that Imran will have to rise to the occasion as Pakistan cannot afford to give his wicket cheaply all the time.