Islamabad, Apr 30 : Pakistan cricketer Azhar Mahmood's chances of playing for his country again has taken a dive with selector Saleem Jaffar saying the all rounder would have to play domestic cricket in Pakistan before being considered for the national squad.

Given his consistent performances, there has been strong support for Azhar to be given another chance to play for Pakistan after a gap of over four years. Jaffar told Pak Passion: "Azhar would first have to play in domestic cricket in Pakistan before we can consider him for a return to the Pakistan side. Domestic cricket is what we gauge performances by.

Past international performances and those in domestic competitions of other countries aren't really what the selectors are basing their judgment of players upon." Jaffar further added "Age is irrelevant when we are selecting players and is no barrier. What we are looking for in any format is the right attitude, good levels of fitness and good form.

Azhar has all these attributes but I must reiterate that he needs to start appearing in domestic cricket in Pakistan before we can select him. Priority for international selection will be given to those cricketers who have featured in domestic cricket."

Jaffar did however add that Mahmood had not been completely ruled out of their plans and that the matter of his selection would be discussed at the next selection committee meeting on May 11 when the selectors pick the squads for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Pakistan will begin a 46 day tour of Sri Lanka next month that contains two T20 internationals, five one day internationals and three test matches. (ANI)