The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could be heading for another major change, with chief selector Aaqib Javed reportedly likely to be removed from the national selection committee as part of a wider “clean-up” exercise.
The development comes shortly after Pakistan made sweeping changes to its Test squad during the ongoing England series. Senior players including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha were sent home after Pakistan lost the opening two Tests. The dramatic decision has intensified questions over the board’s selection policy and the way the national team is being managed.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
According to a PTI-quoted source, Aaqib could instead be asked to concentrate on his responsibilities as Director Development at the Lahore High Performance Centre.
The reported move would mark another significant development in an increasingly turbulent period for Pakistan cricket. Aaqib has been an influential figure within the PCB and has played an important role in selection and other team-related decisions.
Selection Committee Under Scrutiny
The possible change comes after the PCB issued notices to members of its selection and advisory committees. They have reportedly been asked to explain the selection of Imam-ul-Haq and Rizwan for the England tour, as well as the criteria used to formulate Pakistan’s selection policy.
Aaqib’s reported position has also become part of a broader debate surrounding the PCB’s recent decisions. Another prominent member of the selection committee, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, has already offered to step down.
The PCB’s latest moves follow a series of controversial decisions after Pakistan’s poor start in England. The visitors suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening Test at Headingley before losing by 194 runs at Lord’s. England consequently took an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Seven Players Sent Home After England Defeats
In response, the PCB took the extraordinary step of sending seven players back to Pakistan and calling up another seven. Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was also replaced by Mike Hesson, who was already serving as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach.
Imam and Salman were among the players sent home, with Salman having captained Pakistan at Headingley while Babar Azam was unavailable because of injury.
A PTI-quoted source claimed that the decision involving Rizwan and Imam was linked not only to their form but also to alleged behavioural issues in the dressing room. The remaining players sent back were reportedly dropped following recommendations from interim red-ball head coach Hesson, who wanted to test players he had worked with during the white-ball camp.
The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is reportedly keen on a broader “clean-up”, with the selection committee now potentially becoming the next area for major changes.
The developments underline the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan cricket as the board attempts to respond to a difficult Test campaign. With Aaqib Javed potentially losing his selection role and other changes already underway, further restructuring could be on the cards.
