'Pakistan cricket heading towards destruction': Tanvir Ahmed blasts Aleem Dar's appointment as selector

Former Pakistan bowler Tanvir Ahmed has lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for including veteran umpire Aleem Dar in the selection committee.

The PCB, on Friday (October 11), reconstituted its selection committee once again by appointing three new members. The board took the decision after Pakistan's humiliating loss against England in the first Test in Multan. Even after scoring 556 runs in the first innings, Pakistan suffered an innings loss in the Test.

Soon after Pakistan suffered the defeat, the PCB announced Dar and former cricketers Aaqib Javed and Azhar Ali as the new members of the selection committee. They will join Asad Shafiq, and Hassan Cheema, the captain and coach in the selection committee. All the seven members will have a vote on selection. The panel has four non-voting members as well.

Dar's appointment has indeed raised a number of eyebrows as many have been questioning his credentials. While Dar is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated umpires in international cricket, the PCB's decision to appoint him as a selector has surprised many.

Tanvir Ahmed on Aleem Dar's appointment:

Soon after Dar was confirmed as one of the new selectors, Tanvir Ahmed took to social media to express his displeasure over the decision. The former cricketer, who played 5 Tests for Pakistan, posted a video on X in which he questioned Dar's appointment and lashed out at PCB.

Tanvir Ahmed shared his message in Punjabi as he said: "I thought I would share this message in Punjabi. Maybe some people will understand. Those who don't know, they will listen to me.

A member has been named in the selection committee. His name is Aleem Dar. And you all know Aleem Dar very well. Aleem Dar has been a great umpire and he has been made a member of the selection committee," he added.

Speaking further, the former cricketer took shots at the PCB, saying that the cricket board is headed towards destruction. He highlighted that while other cricket boards prioritize merit, the PCB is destroying itself. He also stated that Dar has no work in the selection committee.

"Pakistan cricket is heading towards destruction. Other teams are heading towards a great system, the system of merit but the Pakistan Cricket Board is the first board that is heading towards destruction. You all tell me, does Aleem Dar have any work in the selection committee?" said Tanveer Ahmed.

Tanveer Ahmed went on to defend Babar Azam as well who has been accused of backing his 'friends' in the team. The former cricketer concluded by saying that until and unless the PCB starts taking the correct decisions, Pakistan cricket will not move in the right direction.

"They say, Babar Azam has destroyed Pakistan cricket. But these decisions that are being taken now, are they correct? Will these decisions fix Pakistan cricket? As long as the PCB doesn't make decisions based on merit, cricket will remain in the same state," said Tanveer Ahmed.

Aleem dar selector kaise ban gaye pic.twitter.com/MlQJIODpXC

— Tanveer Says (@ImTanveerA) October 11, 2024