Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appoints former cricketer Shahid Afridi as the interim head of the selection committee against the upcoming New Zealand series.
He has been appointed by the new PCB Chairman Najam Sethi replacing cricketer Ramiz Raja. As per the statement issued by Najam Sethi, Abdul Razzaq, and Rao Iftikhar Anjum will also be a part of the tour-specific committee.
“I am pleased to announce, with immediate effect, an Interim Selection Committee for the New Zealand tour. It comprises Shahid Afridi (Chief Selector), Abdul Razzaq, and Rao Iftikhar, with Haroon Rashid as Convenor,” said Najam Sethi in a tweet.
New Zealand is visiting Pakistan for a two-match Test series and three One-Day Internationals, marking their first tour of Pakistan after 19 years.
I am pleased to announce, with immediate effect, an Interim Selection Committee for the New Zealand tour. It comprises Shahid Afridi (Chief Selector), Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar, with Haroon Rashid as Convenor.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) December 24, 2022
Sethi has expressed complete confidence in the new selection committee. “I have no doubts that despite limited time, they will make brave and bold decisions that will help us produce a strong and competitive side in the series against New Zealand,” said Sethi.
He praised Afridi as an attacking cricketer. Chairman PCB added that his 20 years of experience in all formats of cricket will help the young talent.
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“So, in our collective opinion, there is no better person than him to understand the rigors, demands and challenges of the modern-day game.”
Sethi said he was confident Afridi’s “insight and knowledge of the game will help Pakistan select the best and most deserving players, and contribute to the side’s success in the upcoming series”.
“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,” he added.
Shahid Afridi says he will soon convene a meeting with the selectors.