PCB spokesperson says new selection committee will be able to make merit-based independent decisions
In preparation for the T20 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the dissolution of the men’s national selection committee.
A spokesperson emphasized that the new committee would prioritize decisions based on merit and performance, ensuring transparency. Former fast bowler Wahab Riaz led the now-dissolved committee, which included notable figures like Tauseef Ahmed and Wajahatullah Wasti. Consultant members Kamran Akmal and Rao Iftikhar Anjum, alongside manager analytics Hassan Muzaffar Cheema, were also part of the setup.
The decision follows PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recent hint at changes during a press conference at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final. Imad Wasim’s reversal of retirement, announced just before the dissolution, further underscores the evolving dynamics.
As Pakistan gears up for the T20 World Cup, starting June 1, the focus shifts to assembling a competitive squad, with upcoming series against New Zealand serving as crucial preparation.
It should be mentioned that Naqvi had met with Riaz at the Board’s headquarters in Lahore on Friday. During the meeting, which took place to select squads for the upcoming series against New Zealand, Riaz presented detailed reports on player performance from the ninth edition of PSL.
According to a PCB press release, Naqvi, also the nation’s interior minister, wished to assemble a pool of players “based on merit and performance,” including top performers from the domestic cricket extravaganza.
The 9th T20 world cup runs from June 1-29. The expanded 20-team tournament is being jointly held by the United States and the West Indies and will get under way on June 1 at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas, Texas, when the US take on Canada, both teams making their first appearances at a T20 World Cup.
A new venue 30 miles east of downtown Manhattan will host the big clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday, June 9 — one of eight games to be held at the 34,000-seat modular stadium being built in Nassau County.
A total of 16 games will be held in the United States — the first time that a major international cricket tournament is held in the country.
Lauderhill in South Florida, the most established cricket venue in the US, will host games featuring India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s build-up to the T20 World Cup commences with yet another series against New Zealand, this time at home, as they face the Kiwis for five T20 matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18.