PCB's Decision On Selector Sohail Tanvir Sparks Conflict of Interest Concerns

Updated - 31 Dec 2023, 06:05 PM

Sohail Tanvir
Sohail Tanvir (Image Credits: Twitter)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed the former left-arm pacer, Sohail Tanvir, to the crucial position of Junior Chief Selector last month. Nevertheless, Sohail Tanvir’s recent active involvement in the American Premier League (APL) has ignited controversy, prompting concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

Following the announcement of Pakistan’s youth squad for the ICC U19 World Cup, Sohail Tanvir promptly joined the APL to represent the Premium Paks. According to reports in PTI, the Pakistan board allowed the former pacer, having granted permission to play in the league at the time of his appointment as the national junior selector.

Sohail Tanvir Represents Premium Paks In American Premier League

In Pakistan, key roles such as senior and junior chief selectors, along with national selectors, are paid positions. Sohail is actively participating in the APL as a player for the Premium Paks. Notably, the league is still awaiting approval from the USA Cricket Council.

Tanvir showcased his versatile capabilities in a recent clash with the Premium Canadians, making a significant impact with both his batting and bowling performances. The left-handed batter scored 31 runs and secured two wickets while conceding only 15 runs.

Tanvir’s performance captured attention, especially amid the recent controversy involving Inzamam-ul-Haq, who faced criticism for a perceived conflict of interest due to his association with an agent’s company. Inzamam resigned from the role of chief selector.

Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez is concentrating solely on administrative responsibilities. Hafeez chose to withdraw from franchise cricket after assuming the new role. However, chief selector Wahab Riaz is set to play in next year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The spokesperson refrained from providing a definitive answer to the question about the potential conflict of interest arising from actively playing while serving as a Junior Chief Selector. This lack of clarity has intensified ongoing discussions about the conflict of interest.

Sohail Tanvir played in 2 Tests, 62 ODIs, and 57 T20Is, securing 5, 71, and 54 wickets respectively. He played a crucial role in the Pakistan team’s victory in the T20 World Cup in 2009. His last appearance for Pakistan in T20Is was in a match against West Indies in 2017.

Pakistan Set To Face Australia In New Year Test In Sydney

Pakistan endured two defeats against Australia, marking their 16th consecutive loss in the country. The Pakistan side faced a 79-run defeat during the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), following a previous setback of 360 runs in the first Test.

The third and final Test between Australia and Pakistan will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3 to 7, 2024. The visiting team will be aiming to secure their first victory in Australia since 1995, concluding the red-ball series.

Pakistan squad for Australia Tests: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Pakistan national cricket team Sohail Tanvir