The PCB have introduced a new seven-member selection committee for the Pakistan men’s national team, which will include four former Pakistan Test cricketers.
The PCB chairperson, Mohsin Naqvi announced the makeup of the committee yesterday (March 24), during a press conference in Lahore. Seven members will make-up the committee, including former Pakistan players Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq and Asad Shafiq.
The other three members of the committee will be the captain and coach of the respective side being selected, potentially depending on the format, as well as a data analyst. Naqvi stated in the press conference that the appointment of a captain and head coach will be made public next week. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the white ball side on their most recent tour of New Zealand. The data analyst will be responsible for providing data to aid the committee in their selection process.
Naqvi said in a PCB press release: “I have mandated the seven-member selection committee, comprising of four former Test players, with the powers to select the national men’s teams for international cricket. I will not interfere with the working of the selection committee. They are experienced and professional in their domain and I am confident that they will do their job with dedication and honesty.”
Riaz, who played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Pakistan, the last of which came in December 2020, was appointed as the chief selector of the Pakistan men’s team in November 2023. His appointment came after a raft of changes were introduced following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2023 World Cup.
Yousuf represented Pakistan in 90 Tests, 288 ODIs and 36 T20Is, in a career which ended marked with controversy in 2010. Shafiq announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2023, having not played for Pakistan since 2020. He was a core part of the Misbah-ul-Haq-led Test side of the 2010s which rose to the top of the Test rankings in August 2016.
Razzaq has previously been part of Pakistan selection committees, and played 46 Tests, 265 ODIs and 32 T20Is for Pakistan.
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