Revamped Selection Committee Emerges for Pakistan Cricket Post Humiliating Defeat to England
The PCB has appointed a new selection committee, including former umpire Aleem Dar, following a dismal defeat to England where Pakistan lost despite a 500-run first innings. The committee’s initial task is to select squads for upcoming Tests and white-ball series against Australia and South Africa, amid ongoing struggles for Pakistan cricket.
In a significant reshuffle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has established a new selection committee following the national team’s disappointing defeat against England, where they lost by an innings and 47 runs despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings. This loss marked a new low, as it was the first instance of a Test-playing nation suffering defeat under such circumstances. Among the notable appointments is Aleem Dar, a recently-retired Test umpire with over two decades of international officiating experience. Alongside Mr. Dar, former cricketers Aaqib Javed and Azhar Ali, along with sports analyst Hassan Cheema, have been appointed to the committee. Mr. Dar becomes the first umpire to assume a role within the PCB’s selection panel, which now empowers all members with voting rights, although the status of head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as voting members remains unclear. The new panel is charged with the vital task of selecting the squad for the imminent remaining two Tests against England and subsequently deciding on the white-ball squads for forthcoming series in Australia and South Africa. This restructuring comes in light of the PCB’s recent history of multiple changes to the national selection committee under two different chairpersons, highlighting an ongoing struggle for stability and success within Pakistan cricket.
The recent loss to England is a part of a broader context of struggles for the Pakistan cricket team, which had earlier faced defeat in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The defeat against England marked a unique situation in cricket history, making it crucial for the PCB to rethink its selection strategy. The appointment of Aleem Dar is significant as it reflects a blend of cricketing expertise and a push for innovative management within the board. The committee’s immediate task is critical as it will set the tone for Pakistan cricket in upcoming high-stakes matches.
The appointment of the new selection committee by the PCB is a strategic response to recent disappointing performances by the national cricket team, particularly following their humiliating defeat to England. By including experienced figures such as Aleem Dar and several former players, the PCB aims to restore confidence in the selection process and enhance the team’s prospects in future series. In this pivotal role, the new committee will face the immediate challenge of selecting squads for important upcoming matches against England and future international tours.
Original Source: www.cricketcountry.com
