Pakistan’s selection committee sacked after team’s poor show at the World Cup

After Pakistan’s disappointing display in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the Pakistan Cricket Board has taken swift action by dismissing the entire selection committee. Rumours are swirling that after Morne Morkel, the team director Mickey Arthur too can step down from his role.

Insider information suggests the PCB is inclined towards hiring domestic coaches for the national team. It signals a shift in leadership to address the team’s challenges and foster a more local coaching approach.

Reports suggest that Shahid Afridi is poised to take the helm of the selection committee. Reports also anticipate Younis Khan joining the team as the batting coach. The appointment of the remaining committee members is imminent, with their inaugural task being the upcoming Test series in Australia. This potential reshuffling indicates a strategic move to infuse experience and expertise into key roles for the challenges that lie ahead.

The governing body, led by Zaka Ashraf, is actively seeking a bowling coach. This comes after criticism for Pakistan’s unimpressive bowling performance in the India-hosted tournament. With just four wins in nine matches, the batting lineup struggled against rival bowlers. While, the Pakistan bowlers faced challenges in crucial phases, failing to secure essential wickets. This scrutiny has prompted the search for a bowling coach to address and enhance the team’s bowling prowess.

Inzamam Ul Haq’s stepping down set the cornerstone for PCB’s sacking streak

In the aftermath of Pakistan’s subpar ODI World Cup performance in India, Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down on Monday amid allegations of a conflict of interest. Reports accuse Inzamam of holding a role in a company involved in marketing and commercial promotions. The company also has contracts with numerous Pakistan players. The resignation comes in the wake of concerns regarding the potential impact of such affiliations on the team’s on-field performance.

Accusations from the Pakistan media claim that the implicated company wielded influence over the selection process, contributing to the team’s underwhelming performance. The PCB has responded by establishing a five-member fact-finding committee to probe the alleged conflict of interest. This marks Inzamam-ul-Haq’s second term as chief selector, the first ending amidst discord following Pakistan’s 2019 World Cup exit, where they fell short of reaching the semi-finals.