PCB defends Pak CT selection

Reports suggest PCB Chairman does not intervene in the team selection process

The selection of Pakistan's 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy and the upcoming Tri-Nation series has faced severe criticism.

However, sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have strongly refuted claims of political influence in the team's selection. According to these sources, the decision was made solely by the selection committee, with no interference from any external political forces.

The sources clarified that the PCB Chairman does not intervene in the team selection process. The selectors made the independent decision to include Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the squad. While captain Mohammad Rizwan's opinion was sought, the final decision on the team was made by the selectors, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi having no involvement. He merely approved the final squad chosen by the selectors.

An influential member of the selection committee emphasized that the team was selected based on merit, and any claims of political interference or personal biases are entirely unfounded.

According to the source, the recent form of Aamer Jamal was a factor in his exclusion, while Faheem Ashraf was considered a better option. Before being selected for the Pakistan team, Ashraf had been chosen by Quetta Gladiators in the Platinum category. Khushdil Shah earned his place in the team after consistent performances. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan was dropped due to his poor form.

The sources further stressed that the selection committee and the broader Pakistani cricket system are being unfairly criticized by some former cricketers for alleged interference and political bias in team selection.

Regarding the ICC Champions Trophy and Tri-Nation series, sources revealed that the playing XI for these tournaments will be chosen by the national selectors. Head coach Aqib Javed, who is also a selector, will work alongside other selectors like Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Aleem Dar, and Hasan Cheema. Although Mohammad Rizwan's input will be sought, the final decision will rest with the selectors.

The sources also highlighted that since the change in the selection policy, Pakistan's cricket team has been delivering better results. Pakistan won two Test matches against England and one against West Indies, while the One Day International team triumphed in series against Australia and South Africa. These results reflect that the selectors' decisions are leading the team in the right direction.

Another key point raised by the sources was the inclusion of Usman Khan as a reserve wicketkeeper. In case Mohammad Rizwan is unavailable during the tournaments, Usman Khan is a more reliable option as a backup wicketkeeper than Haseebullah and Mohammad Haris.

Finally, the sources stated that while any player could have political affiliations, claiming that players are selected based on political connections is baseless and unjustified.

Akram surprised

Former captain and legendary pacer Wasim Akram has questioned all-rounder Faheem Ashraf's selection in Pakistan's squad for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9.

Faheem, whose last appearance in the format came against arch-rivals India at the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2023, was one of the four players, who made their return to the national ODI side. His surprising selection resulted in an outburst from fans on social media, who termed it 'unfortunate' and 'questionable'.

Meanwhile, legendary pacer Akram also did not seem too pleased with the all-rounder's selection and highlighted his recent below-par performances in the format.

"I haven't thought about the team announcement yet. But a couple of things that I have thought about. For instance, Faheem Ashraf is in the team. I wish him all the best," said Akram.

"He is a talented cricketer. But in the last 20 matches, his bowling average is 100 and he averages nine with the bat. He came out of the blue and Khushdil also came out of the blue," he added.