Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has formed a seven-member senior selection committee, including former stars like Mohammed Yousuf, Abdul Razzak and Asad Shafiq, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. While addressing the media, Naqvi hinted at a change in the leadership group, meaning Shaheen Afridi’s position as the T20I captain came under a dark cloud.

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Naqvi also said that this committee was formed to select the men’s national team for the international tours while confirming his non-interference in related matters. 

“I have mandated the seven-member selection committee, consisting of four former Test players, with the powers to select the national men’s teams for international cricket. I will not interfere with the working of the selection committee. They are experienced and professional in their domain and I am confident that they will do their job with dedication and honesty,” PCB chairman Naqvi said.

As per reports, the PCB will name 27 players for the training camp with the Pakistan Army to be held in Kakul. The committee will determine the new leadership group after the camp. 

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“Even I don’t know who the captain will be,” Naqvi said. “Whether Shaheen continues or a new captain comes in will be determined after the fitness camp [starting on Monday].” 

“There are a number of technical factors we will consider, the details of which I do not want to go into. We want a long-term solution, whether it’s Shaheen or a new man. And then we intend to stick by that man, instead of just changing a captain just because you lose a match or captain,” the PCB chairman added.

Shaheen’s captaincy future in limbo

Following a dismal 2023 World Cup in India, where Pakistan failed to reach the semis despite playing in favourable conditions, the board sacked the coaching staff, besides removing Babar Azam all-format captain. 

While Shan Masood was named the new Test skipper, seamer Shaheen was appointed the T20I captain in November. Having led Lahore Qalandars to successive PSL titles ahead of becoming Pakistan’s shortest-format skipper, fans pinned hopes on him to take their team to heights, considering this is the T20 World Cup year. 

However, in his only assignment thus far, five-match T20Is against New Zealand in their conditions, Shaheen’s Pakistan lost 1-4. To make it worse, under his leadership, Lahore won just one out of ten games this season, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will host New Zealand for the ODI leg in April. 

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