PCB to replace selection committee

The PCB has announced that Haroon Rasheed's selection committee is to be disbanded with immediate effect. Rasheed came in for criticism in the post-World T20 report submitted by Waqar Younis - who has since stood down as head coach - and a PCB Special Committee has now determined that new selectors are to be appointed.

The board formed a five-man fact-finding committee following the Asia Cup in Bangladesh, after the government questioned Pakistan's dismal performance. The committee was given a mandate to investigate the poor show in World T20 as well and after detailed deliberation the PCB has decided to revamp the entire cricketing structure.

No official report has been released but Waqar resigned on Monday, the entire selection committee was dismissed and Shahid Afridi has also relinquished the captaincy. Afridi has indicated his willingness to play on but it is understood that his international future is uncertain and he is not an automatic selection.

The PCB now faces having to name a new selection panel, T20 captain and coach - and will be assisted by Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja in the latter search. Issues with player fitness were highlighted by Waqar in the review of Pakistan's group-stage exit at the World T20 and those selected for the forthcoming tour of England will have to attend a boot camp with the army. The committee has also recommended hiring a psychologist and dietitian.

In longer-term measures, the PCB is to focus on who holds a number of key positions. The directorship of National Cricket Academy is presently being held by a businessman who has no cricketing experiences, while the cricket committee and the game development committee are also occupied by a non-cricketer - something the PCB wishes to address.

Pakistan's domestic cricket structure, which has been subject to frequent upheaval, is again set to change. The format of the entire circuit was revamped last year but another overhaul is now expected. "A more competitive domestic first-class program involving fewer teams and players is being worked out," said the PCB statement. Pitches and their curation are to be given special attention, with directions already issued to improve the quality of domestic tracks.

"I am thankful to the Special Committee for presenting their detailed report which had important recommendations that I am pleased to accept," the PCB chairman, Shahryar Khan, said. "While the decision on selection committee, coaches and T20 captain was a tough one, in the interest of Pakistan cricket we have now taken the above steps to address the decline in our cricket.

"I am thankful to Waqar Younis, Shahid Afridi and selection committee headed by Haroon Rasheed for the services they provided to Pakistan cricket in the past and wish them all good luck in their future endeavours. PCB has not sought scapegoats or played the blame game. PCB recognises the need for honest introspection. It is now time to move forward for betterment of cricket."