"He is not competent for the job" - Ex Pakistan cricketer urges PCB Chairman to sack Azhar Mahmood

Former Test player and chief selector Salahuddin Sallu lauded Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his efforts to improve Pakistan cricket. However, Salahuddin Sallu urged Mohsin Naqvi to dismiss assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, stating that he does not deserve the role with the national team.

The Pakistan team has been going through a difficult period over the past few months. The Men in Green suffered an embarrassing group-stage exit in the recent T20 World Cup 2024. The Babar Azam-led team lost to the United States of America in their opening match and then lost to India in a crucial game.

The PCB chairman dismissed Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee. The captain, head coach, and the non-voting ex-officio members, Azhar Mahmood, Bilal Afzal, Hassan Cheema, Nadeem Khan, and Usman Wahla, are included in the new selection committees for the men's cricket team.

Admire The Efforts Being Made By PCB Chief - Salahuddin Sallu

Speaking to The Express Tribune on Monday, Salahuddin Sallu expressed admiration for Mohsin Naqvi's efforts to elevate Pakistan cricket to international standards. Salahuddin stated that past cricketers are keen to see a revival of that era.

“I admire the efforts being made by PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi to bring our cricket at par with the international standards. Those who have seen the Pakistan cricket team ruling world cricket in the past or have remained attached with Pakistan Cricket in any capacity are keen to see the revival of that era,” Salahuddin said.

The former cricketer highlighted the importance of Mohsin Naqvi’s reforms following Pakistan’s poor T20 World Cup performance. Sallu highlighted that overhauling the selection committee, enhancing infrastructure, and mandating domestic cricket participation will yield positive results.

“Revamping of the selection committee, dismantling the player-power, uplift of the infrastructure and making the domestic cricket appearances mandatory for all players are all excellent steps taken by Mr Naqvi recently. They will, Inshallah, bear fruit very soon,” Salahuddin added.

Doesn't Deserve To Be The Team's Coach - Salahuddin Sallu

Salahuddin Sallu advised the PCB chairman to replace assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, citing his incompetence and poor performance. He pointed out that Islamabad United sacked Azhar during the PSL 8 season, highlighting his failure to effectively motivate and support players.

“Azhar, in my opinion, does not deserve to be the team’s coach as he is not competent for the job and have failed to deliver whenever given the opportunity to serve Pakistan Cricket. I remember how PSL franchise Islamabad United sacked Azhar during the PSL 8 season which is a clear indication of his inability to motivate the players or help them overcome their shortcomings,” he concluded.

Babar Azam stepped down as captain after a disastrous 2023 ODI World Cup. Shaheen Afridi took over the leadership but was replaced by Babar following a 1-4 series loss to New Zealand. Babar had previously led Pakistan to the T20 World Cup semi-final and final in 2021 and 2022, but the team failed to win the title.

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