Rashid Latif appointed chief selector

Former captain vows merit in selection affairs .

KARACHI: Former captain Rashid Latif has been appointed Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chief selector, and will start his new stint from April 1, announced the PCB on Wednesday.  

Latif, who is part of the Port Qasim Authority’s sports department, accepted the offer following a meeting with PCB Chairman Najam Sethi.

“Latif agreed to accept the offer to become the chief selector with effect from April 1, 2014,” said the PCB media release. “He will join the PCB on deputation from his parent department.”

Latif will replace former cricketer Azhar Khan, who served as the acting chief selector for the Asia Cup and the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20.

Azhar was made the acting chief selector after the Sethi-led PCB removed another former captain Aamir Sohail.

Sohail, who was sworn in as the head of the committee by the now ousted chairman Zaka Ashraf, could not last for more than a week after Ashraf was sent packing.

In addition to his responsibilities as chief selector, Latif will also assist the PCB in imparting training and conducting lectures on anti-corruption matters. “Latif is an extremely valuable addition to our team,” said Sethi in a statement.

“I have followed his views on cricket in the past and I trust he will be able to bring about positive change in our cricket.”

Latif eyes strong team for World Cup 2015

Latif is excited at the start of his new role and hopes to build a formidable squad for the 2015 World Cup.

“I endeavour to build a strong team keeping in mind the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015,” said the former wicket-keeper.

He vowed sincerity in selection matters, saying merit and fitness players would be the sole criterion in team selection.  The 37-Test veteran hinted on the formation of a new panel of selectors after his takeover.

“The first task is to form a team; we need those who can go to the grounds to watch the performance of the players.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2014.

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