PCB removes captains, head coaches from selection panel in major shake-up

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made some notable changes to its national selection committee. The most important alteration is the removal of team captains and head coaches from the panel, centralising the decision-making power in the hands of a newly-appointed five-member committee.

This restructuring was made after Pakistan's disappointing innings and 47 runs defeat in the first Test against England in Multan. The new selection panel is led by former fast bowler Aaqib Javed and includes cricket luminaries such as Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, and Hassan Cheema. This group now holds the authority over team selection, including the crucial task of deciding the playing eleven for upcoming matches.

While the captain and head coach will still be consulted, they no longer have voting rights in the selection process. This change will help to streamline decision-making and ensure that selections are based on a broader, more objective perspective rather than being potentially influenced by on-field leadership.

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Selection committee to next announce squad for Australia white-ball series

The restructuring has already shown impressive results. In the second Test, debutant Kamran Ghulam made a century, while spinner Sajid Khan made a brilliant comeback with seven wickets in an innings, recording the best figures for a bowler in Tests in Multan. The performances have earned praise for the new selectors, supporting their approach to team composition.

Meanwhile, the decision to drop former captain Babar Azam despite the recent backing from interim coach Jason Gillespie and stand-in captain Shan Masood, has received some backlash. Furthermore, the selection committee has an immediate challenge of announcing Pakistan's squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series in Australia.