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In a bold move aimed at improving national team performance, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a revamped selection committee structure for the men’s team. The new formula, as reported by Geo News on Wednesday, grants a significant voice to the head coaches.
The most notable change involves the inclusion of both the white-ball and red-ball format head coaches in the national selection committee. This means Jason Gillespie, head coach for white-ball cricket, and Gary Kirsten, overseeing the red-ball formats, will have a direct say in player selection.
Adding experience to the mix are former Pakistani cricketers Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq. The captain of the respective format, white-ball or red-ball, will also be part of the committee, ensuring a well-rounded perspective.
This decision comes on the heels of the PCB letting go of Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee following Pakistan’s disappointing showing at the T20 World Cup 2024. The team’s early exit, including a surprise defeat to tournament debutants USA, prompted a shake-up within the selection process.
“The PCB confirmed today that Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz are no longer required in the national selection committee setup,” the board stated in a press release later on Wednesday. The statement further elaborated that Razzaq served on both the men’s and women’s selection committees, while Riaz focused on the men’s side.
The PCB has promised to share further details on the final composition of the selection committee soon.
This development extends beyond Riaz’s removal from the selection committee. He was also relieved of his duties as the senior team manager for the men’s side. In a social media post, likely on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter), Riaz expressed his frustration while maintaining his dignity. He hinted at having more to say but opted not to engage in blame games. He emphasized his dedication to the role and the collaborative nature of the selection process during his tenure.
Pakistan’s recent cricketing journey has seen them tour Ireland and England for T20I series before their T20 World Cup campaign in the United States and West Indies, which ended in a group-stage exit. The PCB’s revamped selection committee, with coaches at the forefront, aims to steer the national team towards a brighter cricketing future.
