PCB announces new selection committee with a shocking inclusion after embarrassing defeat in Multan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a new selection committee just a few hours after a disappointing defeat against England. The Pakistan Cricket Board has included former ICC umpire Aleem Dar, along with ex-cricketers Azhar Ali and Aaqib Javed, in the men's selection committee.

The latest development comes after former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf's resignation from his position. This change comes as another "recomposition" in the frequently adjusted selection panel this year. Notably, red-ball and white-ball coaches will no longer be involved in squad selection.

Earlier this year, the selection panel was restructured by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq were sacked following Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup. Asad Shafiq became the sole voting member aside from the captains and coaches after Mohammad Yousuf's resignation.

PCB Reveals New Selection Committee

On Friday, October 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on their website that they have restructured the men's national selection committee. Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, and Hasan Cheema have been included in the selection committee as voting members.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed the recomposition of the men’s national selection committee. It now includes Aleem Dar, Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Hasan Cheema as voting members,” the PCB stated.

Aleem Dar's appointment has gained attention as it's uncommon for umpires to transition into such roles. He left the ICC's elite panel last year but has remained active as a domestic and international umpire. Dar recently announced that this season would be his final one as a professional umpire.

The New Selection Committee's First Assignment Second Test

Pakistan National Cricket Team suffered a defeat to England National Cricket Team by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test in Multan. They became the first team to lose a Test by an innings after scoring over 550 runs in their first innings. This is also Pakistan's third consecutive Test loss at home and their seventh loss in the last nine home Tests.

The new Pakistan Cricket Board selection committee will have to pick the squad for the second Test, starting on Tuesday. Notably, the PCB had only announced a squad for the first Test. Shan Masood has come under scrutiny despite scoring a century in the first innings. Masood recorded his sixth consecutive loss as captain.

Proud To Have Contributed To The Growth - Mohammad Yousuf

Mohammad Yousuf resigned from his position on the national selection committee on September 29. He cited personal reasons in a statement on social media. The 50-year-old said that it had been a privilege to serve the Pakistan cricket team.

“I announce my resignation as a selector for the Pakistan cricket team due to personal reasons,” Mohammad Yousuf said in his post on X.

Also read: Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After Pakistan vs England 1st Test 2024