Youngsters are our future, we want them to play for Pakistan: Shaharyar

PCB chairman reveals selection committee is focused on finding young blood for national side

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan on Saturday said that the selection committee is focused on inducting young players into the national side and want them to take the team forward in the future.

Shaharyar was speaking at the final of the domestic 50-over competition, the Pakistan Cup, in Rawalpindi and singled out Balochistan batsman Sahibzada Farhan for praise.

“We want young blood to play for Pakistan and will base our selections on that. Sahibzada Farhan performed really well in the Pakistan Cup and certainly has a great future,” he said. “Young players are the future of Pakistan and we would want to give them the opportunity to step forward and don national colours.”

Talking about Salman Butt’s selection for the national side, Shaharyar said that he will be considered based on his performance. “There is no barrier for Salman Butt or Muhammad Asif to come back into the team. Based on their performances, they will certainly be considered for selection,” he said.

He also said that the PCB is planning to hold more matches in Pakistan for next year’s Pakistan Super League and confirmed that a sixth team will be added to the T20 tournament.

“Sixth team is certainly coming and Najam Sethi has talked about it," he said. "In PSL3 there will be six teams and we are planning to hold more matches in Pakistan.”

Talking about his retirement plans, Shaharyar said that he is decided on this and he will most certainly retire when his term ends in August.

“I have announced that after I have completed my three-year term in August, I will not apply for another term and am not ready to serve another term. I have submitted my resignation to the Prime Minister, who hasn’t responded, but regardless of what the response is, I have decided that I will not be standing for another term.”