PCB Plans Overhaul Of Selection Committee After T20 World Cup Disappointment

Lahore, June 21 (PTI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to revert to its previous selection committee system after the recent approach of having no chief selector proved ineffective during the T20 World Cup and prior events.

Pakistan was eliminated in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024, suffering defeats against the USA and India before securing consolation victories over Canada and Ireland in Group A.

"The board is likely to return to the old system of having a chief selector with two or three selectors, and the captain and head coach not sitting in selection meetings with the selectors," a source informed PTI.

Former Test fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who was part of the selection committee for the T20 World Cup, is expected to retain his influential position on the board. He might also be appointed as the new chief selector.

Wahab previously served as chief selector before the PCB decided to abolish the traditional system of a three or four-member national selection committee. Instead, they opted for eight selectors.

Under the new system, captain Babar Azam and head coach Gary Kirsten were made proper selectors, along with a data analyst and former cricketers such as Mohammad Yousuf, Wahab Riaz, Asad Shafiq, and Abdul Razzaq.

Wahab was later appointed as the national team's senior manager, despite there already being a manager travelling with the team for the World Cup.

Wahab is perceived to be very close to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who has significant trust in him. Naqvi appointed Wahab as advisor sports when he was caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab before elections.

Review of Central Contracts

The board is also actively reviewing central contracts given by former Chairman Zaka Ashraf. These contracts have a tenure of three years.

"Most likely players who have central contracts will be demoted or even dropped due to poor performances. Other perks awarded to players will also be scrutinised," said the source.