Newly appointed chief selector Aamir Sohail’s immediate task is to choose a team for the Asia Cup this month, besides the World T20. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan’s newly appointed Chief Selector Aamir Sohail has said that he will take all stakeholders on board before selecting teams as he prepares for his second stint in the hot seat.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to appointment the former Test captain after an approval in the governing board meeting held on Monday.
“I’ll take all stakeholders on board during the selection process, because I believe it is all about coordination between the concerned people,” Sohail told reporters in Lahore.
“Egos should be kept aside even if there is any difference of opinion, logic should prevail at the end.
“I have some changes in my mind but I wouldn’t instantly push for those because you just can’t force things on a captain. The initial challenge is to improve the bench strength of Pakistan.”
Sohail further revealed that he had been in deliberation with outgoing head coach Dav Whatmore to get his input before he starts working ahead of the two important cricket events – the Asia Cup and World Twenty20.
Azhar Khan, Saleem Jaffar and Farrukh Zaman will continue to work as selectors under the new chief selector. Sohail feels that the trio remain an important part of the process as they have an understanding with skippers Misbahul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez.
PCB chief Ashraf starting to stamp his authority
New PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf has now started to stamp his authority after being recently restored by the Islamabad High Court divisional bench and among the key changes has appointed Sohail as chief selector and director game development.
In addition, he has also appointed Basit Ali as coach Regional Cricket Academies Karachi to hunt and nurture talent in the south of Pakistan.
“Former Pakistan Captain Aamir Sohail has been appointed as director Game development,” read a PCB press release.
“He will also have the additional responsibility of heading the National Selection Committee. Aamir’s vision and experience will help build a strong team for the World Cup 2015.
“Muhammad Ilyas has been appointed as chief selector for the Pakistan A, U19 and Women teams, while Intikhab Alam will continue to perform his duties as director domestic cricket.”
Basit in line to become batting coach
The Express Tribune has learnt that Basit Ali, who is currently the head coach of SNGPL, is all set to become the batting coach of the national team in next few days.
“Basit could become the batting coach of Pakistan, the likes of Misbah, Hafeez and Azhar Ali believe he has help improve their game,” an official having knowledge of the matter stated.
“He has met Chairman Ashraf about this additional responsibility, and there will possibly be an official announcement in the next few days.”
It was also learnt that Ashraf is keen to rope in former skipper Rashid Latif as well for an important role in Pakistan cricket, but Latif has not given any response so far.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2014.
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Is Aamir Suhail Paid off? Appointments based on preferences and political affiliation will further weaken the already poor Pakistan Cricket Team. May be a step towards destruction :(
Finally sanity prevails at the PCB. Aamir Sohail is a very good choice, considering his close ties to the game at the grass root level and some great understanding of the cricketing culture in Pakistan.
It was about time some fresh changes were made to steer the game in the right direction. Pakistan desperately needs a fresh pool of talented players. A guy like Sohail, who has played the modern game in recent time and is a champion in his own right, can definitely play a much better roles than many of his predecessors and peers alike in nurturing the talent. Good move overall.
Let's hope Sohail can turn things around and can get the job done without getting embroiled in any controversies. One hopes he has truly matured with age and has a much saner head on his shoulders.