PCB Selection Committee faces changes after T20 World Cup exit

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to revamp its selection committee following Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The PCB will conduct a thorough review to understand what went wrong, with a key focus on restructuring the selection committee.

Currently, the selection committee consists of seven members, all holding equal voting power. However, this structure might change. The PCB is considering reducing the number of members and possibly reinstating the role of a chief selector, a position that has been vacant for the last three months. Wahab Riaz, who previously chaired the committee, is unlikely to regain his position. In fact, there is a strong possibility that he may be removed from the committee altogether.

The PCB wants to show accountability and address public perception that Wahab has been running the committee unofficially, leading to criticism directed mainly at him. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of majority decisions based on debate and discussion, but this approach may soon change.

Regarding the team’s leadership, no immediate decision on Babar Azam’s captaincy is expected. Despite the emotional reactions following Pakistan’s World Cup exit, there is no urgency to address this matter since Pakistan’s next white-ball game is scheduled for November.

The review will also gather feedback from the team management, including head coach Gary Kirsten. Kirsten, who was appointed in April, reportedly expressed concerns about a lack of unity within the team. His insights will be crucial in shaping the tour report he submits to the PCB.

Further changes to the national team setup might be reflected in the revisions to players’ central contracts, which expire on June 30. While the overarching terms of the contracts are set for three years, individual players’ standings can change based on their performances. Currently, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi hold the highest category contracts.

The PCB aims to address the issues within the team and the selection process to build a stronger and more unified squad for future competitions.