However Imran, who was installed as Pakistan's long-term captain after succeeding Zeeshan Ashraf earlier this year, has been surprisingly retained in a 19-man squad even though officials conceded that he is far from fit at the moment.

"He (Imran) has been suffering from malaria for the last ten days which is why his fitness level is pretty low," Hanif Khan, Pakistan's chief selector, told Arab News on Tuesday. "Imran is one of our key players and we don't want to take any risks ahead of next year's Olympics which is why the captaincy responsibilities have been transferred to Abbasi but just for the tour of Australia," added Hanif, a former Olympian.

Hockey officials have created extra space to accommodate Imran by extending the squad to 19 instead of 18.

It is quite surprising that the selectors decided against giving Imran complete rest. The tour of Australia is relatively insignificant when you compare it with Pakistan's next international assignment: The 2011 Champions Trophy in New Zealand from Dec. 3-11.

In Australia, Pakistan will feature in a quadrangular event and the International Super Hockey Series in Perth from Oct. 20 to Nov. 4.

Hanif tried to defend the decision to pick Imran, saying that by doing that the selectors have "avoided sending the wrong signals.”

"These days if we rest players, then people start talking. Another reason why we have selected Imran is to ensure that he doesn't get discouraged. He will stay with the team in Australia and will play if he gets fully fit." Imran's illness has allowed his deputy Abbasi, a mercurial striker, to wear the captaincy armband once again. He was sacked as captain and axed from the team because of several issues before being brought back in the team.

Apart from the change in captaincy, the main news is that national selectors have recalled Sohail Abbas, the penalty corner expert.

Sohail was overlooked for the Asian Champions Trophy but after Pakistan flopped miserably in converting short corners during the event in which they lost to old rivals India in the final, the selectors decided that the team still needs the experience and expertise of Sohail Abbas.

"Sohail is still the best and he is also fully fit which is why he deserves to be in the team," said Hanif.

The selectors have also recalled striker Muhammad Zubair while Kashif Javed and reserve goalie Imran Butt have been dropped.

Hanif and fellow selectors have also opted to pick a greenhorn in the touring party. Muhammad Irfan Jr, who is currently making his bones as a skillful left-in at the junior level, has been give a chance to prove his worth in Australia.

"Irfan is a completely new face who made quite an impression during his first appearance in the national training camp," said Hanif.