In a significant reshuffle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the inclusion of three high-profile names—Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and Aleem Dar—into the Men’s National Selection Committee. This new lineup comes after the resignation of Mohammad Yousuf, who stepped down from his role as a selector just two weeks ago. Along with these esteemed additions, data analyst Hassan Cheema will also take a prominent position as a voting member, further solidifying the committee’s depth in decision-making.
The New Faces on the Selection Committee
The PCB’s decision to rope in Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and Aleem Dar has garnered significant attention, given their individual contributions to Pakistan cricket over the years.
- Aqib Javed is no stranger to the world of coaching and mentoring. As a former fast bowler and key member of the 1992 World Cup-winning team, his insights into fast bowling and match strategies will prove invaluable. His experience as the current head coach of Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has kept him close to contemporary cricketing trends.
- Azhar Ali, who has recently retired from international cricket, offers a wealth of experience as a former Test captain. Known for his calm demeanor and technical acumen, Azhar is expected to bring stability and a player-first approach to his role. His recent stint as Pakistan’s Test captain ensures that he remains connected to the current crop of players, allowing him to provide firsthand insights into team dynamics.
- Aleem Dar, an internationally acclaimed ICC elite panel umpire, adds a fresh perspective. Having umpired in over 400 international matches, Dar’s unique understanding of the game from an umpire’s viewpoint brings a balanced, rules-focused dimension to the committee. His inclusion also marks a rare instance of an elite-level umpire transitioning into a national selection role.
Hassan Cheema: The Analytical Edge
Among the additions, Hassan Cheema’s appointment as a voting member has piqued interest, especially from those attuned to the modern, data-driven approach to cricket. Known for his expertise in cricket analytics, Cheema has carved a niche in Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem by blending data insights with traditional cricket strategies. His inclusion reflects the PCB’s acknowledgment of the growing importance of data in modern cricket decision-making.
Existing Members
Despite these new additions, the committee retains some continuity with the presence of former cricketer Asad Shafiq, who had already been working as a selector. Shafiq’s in-depth knowledge of domestic cricket and his extensive playing experience with the Pakistan national team make him a key figure in ensuring consistency in selection processes.
The full Men’s National Selection Committee now includes the following voting members:
- Aleem Dar
- Aqib Javed
- Azhar Ali
- Asad Shafiq
- Hassan Cheema
Additional Committee Members
In addition to the voting members, the PCB has also retained several non-voting members who will provide support and advisory roles. These include Azhar Mahmood, the assistant coach, Bilal Afzal, advisor to the Chairman, Nadeem Khan, Director of High Performance, and Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket.
The Men’s National Team captain and head coach are also non-voting members of the committee, ensuring that key team leaders remain involved in selection decisions while allowing the voting members to maintain independence.
Steering Pakistan Cricket into the Future
The PCB’s newly-formed committee reflects a balance of tradition and modernity. By combining the experience of cricketing legends like Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and Aleem Dar with the analytical acumen of Hassan Cheema, the board is clearly signaling a future-driven approach. With this blend of expertise, the selection committee aims to bring about a new era in Pakistan cricket—one that merges data analysis with intuitive player management.
As the Pakistan cricket team looks forward to future series and international competitions, these key appointments will play a vital role in shaping the squads, assessing players’ performances, and making the critical decisions that could define Pakistan cricket’s fortunes.
