Pakistan Cricket Board Restructures Selection Committee
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a new selection committee following a significant defeat against England in the Multan Test. The new members include Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema. This marks the 26th change in selectors since 2021.
Historic Defeat Against England
Pakistan faced a historic loss by an inning and 47 runs, despite scoring 556 in the first innings. England’s ‘Bazball’ strategy, led by Joe Root’s double-hundred and Harry Brook’s triple-hundred, resulted in a massive total of 823/7 declared, leaving Pakistan unable to recover.
Changes in Selection Committee
Mohammad Yousuf recently stepped down from the committee, citing personal reasons. The new committee must quickly focus on selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England. Aleem Dar’s appointment is notable as it’s uncommon for an umpire to join a selection committee.
Previous Changes
Earlier in 2024, Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz were informed their services were no longer needed. Over the past four years, the PCB has seen six top selectors, including Wahab, Mohammad Wasim, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Haroon Rashid, and Misbah-ul-Haq, all with short tenures.
Doubts Revealed
Pakistan Cricket Board -: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is the organization that manages cricket in Pakistan. It is responsible for organizing matches, selecting players, and promoting the sport in the country.
Aleem Dar -: Aleem Dar is a well-known cricket umpire from Pakistan. He has officiated in many international matches and is respected for his fair decisions. His appointment to the selection committee is unusual because umpires usually don’t select players.
Selection Committee -: A selection committee in cricket is a group of people who choose which players will be part of the national team. They look at players’ performances and decide who should play in upcoming matches.
Multan Test -: The Multan Test refers to a cricket match played in Multan, a city in Pakistan. In this context, it was a match between Pakistan and England where Pakistan lost despite scoring a high number of runs.
Bazball -: Bazball is a term used to describe an aggressive and attacking style of playing cricket. It is named after Brendon McCullum, whose nickname is ‘Baz’, and who is known for this approach.
Aaqib Javed -: Aaqib Javed is a former Pakistani cricketer who played as a fast bowler. He has also worked as a coach and is now part of the selection committee.
Azhar Ali -: Azhar Ali is a Pakistani cricketer who has played for the national team. He is known for his batting skills and experience in Test cricket.
Hassan Cheema -: Hassan Cheema is a cricket analyst and writer. He is known for his insights into the game and is now part of the selection committee to help choose the best players.
