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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has been named interim chairman of the men’s national selection committee, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Saturday (December 24).
The Afridi-led three-man selection committee, which replaces the Mohammad Wasim-led panel, has only been appointed for Pakistan’s upcoming home series against New Zealand. The panel includes Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum, with Haroon Rashid, a member of the Management Committee, serving as the convener.
Pakistan will face New Zealand in two Tests (part of the World Test Championship) and three One-Day Internationals (part of the World Cup Super League), with the series beginning on December 26 and concluding on January 14.
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“Shahid Afridi has been an attacking cricketer who played all his cricket with no fear. He has nearly 20 years of cricket experience, has featured in all formats with significant success and more importantly, has always backed and supported young talent. So, in our collective opinion, there is no better person than him to understand the rigours, demands and challenges of the modern day game.
“I remain confident that through his insight and knowledge of the game, he will help Pakistan select the best and most deserving players, and contribute in the side’s success in the upcoming series,” Sethi said.
Afridi added: “I feel honoured to have been assigned this responsibility by the PCB Management Committee and will no stone unturned in fulfilling this responsibility to the best of my abilities. We need to get back to our winning ways and I have no doubts that through meritocratic and strategic selection decisions, we will help the national side to perform strongly in the series against New Zealand and reclaim the confidence of our fans.
“I will soon convene a meeting of the selectors and will share my plans with reference to the upcoming matches.”