The recent restructuring of the Pakistan cricket team, following a disappointing Cricket World Cup 2023, has sparked criticism from former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja. Expressing dissatisfaction with the selection panel’s composition, Raja pointed out the inclusion of Salman Butt, a consultant member, who had previously served a suspension for involvement in spot-fixing along with Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.
In the wake of skipper Babar Azam’s resignation and changes in team leadership, former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz was appointed as the chief selector. However, Raja voiced his concerns about the selection committee, stating, “It’s insane to have a selection committee consisting of a member whose decision can be termed as a display of filial affection or non-affection and another who was locked up for match-fixing.”
Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, and Rao Iftikhar Anjum were named as consultant members to the selection panel. Raja’s comments come amid a period of transition for the Pakistan cricket team, with new appointments in both leadership and selection roles.
The former PCB chief criticized the team’s performance at the Cricket World Cup 2023 and questioned the decisions made by the PCB. Raja questioned the effectiveness of changes in captaincy and coaching staff, expressing his concerns about the approach taken by the cricket board.
In response to the appointments, Raja stated, “Jab naye ball pe aap out nahi karenge, jab aap expensive se expensive hote jayenge toh Babar Azam kya khaak kapataani karega (When bowlers would not take wickets with the new ball and start getting more and more expensive, how would Babar Azam do captaincy then?).”
The selection panel is set to undertake its first responsibility with the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on January 12, 2024.
