KARACHI: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has reiterated that the national team’s doors aren’t closed on batsman Fawad Alam and that the fan favourite can still have a future at international level. Fawad was recently recalled to the National Cricket Academy where he met several coaches, and Sarfraz believes that is a clear sign that the seemingly out-of-favour batsman is still pretty much in contention for a return to the national fold. “Fawad has been performing in domestic cricket for a long time, which gives me the hope that he will soon make his international comeback,” said Sarfraz at a private function where Fawad was also in attendance alongside former cricketers Intekhab Alam, Sallahuddin Sallu, Ejaz Farooqi, Sohaib Muhammad and Faisal Iqbal. “We need players who perform for the team, and if he is performing, he will be considered,” he added. Sarfraz also clarified that the selectors always consulted him and take his suggestions before announcing squads for the national team. “The selection committee takes me on board before finalising the squad for any international tournament,” he said. “Whenever I ask for a specific player to be added to the team, they support me. The selection committee tries its best to facilitate me.” No reservations regarding Kamran Akmal: Similarly, the 30-year-old said he had no qualms if veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal – also one of domestic circuit’s top performers – was recalled. “I have no reservations regarding Kamran,” said Sarfraz. “This cricket team plays for Pakistan, and whoever performs well will get a fair chance to represent the country. If Kamran is performing and someone in the team doesn’t perform, he can take his place.” Sarfraz was such a staunch proponent of meritocracy that he felt even he should not be immune to the axe in case his performance – God forbid – sinks below par. “If I fail to put together good performances for the team then even I could lose my place to someone who is performing,” he said. Tour of New Zealand: Next up for the national team is the tour of New Zealand – and assignment Sarfraz was hopeful of passing with flying colours. “We are in good shape and have the momentum with us. We are hopeful that the team will carry that in New Zealand.” Published in Daily Times, December 1st 2017.