Following a devastating defeat to England, the Pakistan Cricket Board has restructured its selection committee, appointing former umpire Aleem Dar and retired cricketers such as Aaqib Javed and Azhar Ali. This follows Pakistan’s disappointing performances in recent Test matches. The committee’s immediate task is to select teams for upcoming Test and white-ball series against England, Australia, and South Africa.
In the wake of their recent crushing defeat to England by an innings and 47 runs, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a significant overhaul of its selection committee. This restructuring includes the appointment of Aleem Dar, a recently retired Test umpire, who has joined the committee alongside notable former cricketers. This defeat marks a historic low for the Pakistan national team, as it is the first instance recorded where a Test-playing nation has lost despite exceeding 500 runs in their first innings. This latest match, held in Multan, comes on the heels of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in a preceding two-match Test series against Bangladesh. To bolster the selection committee, PCB has also included former Test players Aaqib Javed and Azhar Ali, along with sports analyst and broadcaster Hassan Cheema, who previously managed a franchise in the Pakistan Super League. Asad Shafiq, having been part of the committee since the resignation of Mohammad Yousuf as national selector, rounds out the new team. Aleem Dar, acclaimed for his long-standing career, officiated in 448 international matches over more than two decades, attaining recognition as a member of the ICC’s Elite and International Panels since 2003. Following his retirement from international umpiring, Dar becomes the first individual in such a position to serve under the Board. The PCB announced that all members of the revamped selection committee will possess voting rights, although clarification regarding the involvement of head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie in voting matters remains pending. The newly constituted committee faces immediate challenges, tasked with selecting the squad for the remaining two Tests against England, as well as determining the white-ball teams for upcoming tours in Australia and South Africa. This latest reshuffle marks another chapter in the PCB’s continual adjustments to its selection processes, which have seen numerous changes under two different chairpersons over the past year.
The Pakistan national cricket team has recently experienced significant challenges, highlighted by a string of poor performances culminating in their loss to England. Historically, the team had not faced such a predicament where they lost despite a high-scoring first innings. The PCB has responded to these setbacks by restructuring the selection committee, aiming to infuse fresh perspectives from experienced individuals within the cricketing community. The appointment of Aleem Dar is particularly noteworthy, as it illustrates the PCB’s commitment to incorporating varied expertise into its organizational framework. This change comes after Pakistan’s setbacks against both England and Bangladesh, showcasing the urgency for improvement in team performance and strategy.
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to initiate a substantial revamp of its selection committee is a direct response to the team’s recent disheartening performances, particularly their unprecedented loss to England. The inclusion of experienced figures such as Aleem Dar and former cricketers is intended to bring about a new strategic direction for the team. As they prepare for crucial upcoming matches, the revamped committee’s ability to effectively select players will be vital in restoring the team’s stature and performance in international cricket.
Original Source: www.cricketcountry.com
