PCB Set To Remove Misbah-ul-Haq As Chief Selector As Pakistan Struggle In England

Misbah-ul-Haq could be asked to relinquish his role as chief selector after Pakistan return home from England. Pakistan are currently playing the three-match Test series against the hosts and will later lock horns against the home side in a three-match T20I series.

According to report, a high-profile former fast bowler is under consideration to replace Misbah-ul-Haq as the chief selector. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had faced criticism from several quarters after handing Misbah-ul-Haq the dual role of coach and chief selector last year.

And the PCB now seems to have made up its mind about asking the Pakistan head coach to relinquish the post of the chief selector. PTI quoted a source as saying that the reason behind it is that PCB wants to reduce the pressure off the former Pakistan captain. He stated that PCB CEO Wasim Khan observed Mishab-ul-Haq’s work in England before the board contemplated having a new man as the chief selector.

“The PCB now feels that it is best if the burden was reduced on Misbah and allow him to focus on his job as head coach as there are a number of important ICC events coming up in the next three years,” the source told the news agency.

“Wasim Khan the PCB CEO was in England recently and has also observed from close quarters how Misbah is handling both responsibilities. Wasim also spoke to Misbah in England and having a new chief selector is now an option for the Board.

“When Misbah was initially appointed as head coach and chief selector last year, the first person in Pakistan cricket history to be given this dual role, there was scepticism whether the former captain would be able to do justice to both responsibilities,” the source added.

‘Misbah came under pressure’:

The further said that an ex-pacer is on PCB’s radar to take over as the next chief selector. The source also said that Misbah-ul-Haq buckled under pressure and retained batsman Fawad Alam in the playing eleven for the ongoing third Test.

“A former fast bowler known for his outspoken comments and who was a big star in his playing days is under consideration and after the England series is over things will be finalized with him,” the source said.

“The feeling is that in the third Test where a fifth bowler should have been played and also one pacer rotated, Misbah came under pressure from the social media and media and retained Fawad Alam in the playing eleven,” the source added.

Pakistan are looking set to lose their first Test series against England since 2010. Trailing the three-match series 1-0, the Azhar Ali-led side is pretty much on the backfoot in the ongoing third Test. After England piled up 583 for 8 declared, the tourists ended day two on a precarious 24 for 3.

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