Big news is making the rounds in Pakistani cricket circles, and while there’s no official announcement just yet, sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggest that former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has joined the national selection committee.
If these reports are to be believed, former Test cricketers Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq have been relieved of their selection duties quietly. In their place, 2017 Champions Trophy-winning skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and outspoken cricket analyst Sikandar Bakht have been included.
But this sudden reshuffle hasn’t come without questions. In fact, some fans are scratching their heads—especially over Sarfaraz’s inclusion, given that he hasn’t officially retired from international cricket.
New Faces, Familiar Names
According to multiple insider reports, the PCB recently held a high-profile selection meeting in Lahore. Head coach Mike Hesson, captain Salman Ali Agha, and selectors Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar and Sikandar Bakht present at the meeting. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz attended the selection committee meeting via video conference while currently in England
Though the official announcements are yet to come, this revamp signals a new chapter for the PCB, and cricket fans will be watching closely to see how it impacts the national team. The sources further revealed that the committee has finalised squads for Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh as well as the West Indies.
A Changing of the Guard
While Sarfaraz Ahmed and Sikandar Bakht make their way in, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq have been left out. It’s a significant change, especially considering their long-standing roles in Pakistan cricket.
Azhar Ali, who has been a stalwart for Pakistan over the years, is now focusing on youth development programs. His extensive experience as a player could still serve Pakistan cricket in a different capacity.
Similarly, Asad Shafiq has been reassigned to work at the Karachi High-Performance Centre and contribute to the Women’s Selection Committee. While it may seem like a demotion for these two, it’s actually a shift in focus.
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