Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), initially declared the newly established selection committee as the primary authority on the national T20 International team’s captaincy. However, it appears that Naqvi himself might ultimately make the crucial decision.
Elected as PCB chairman and subsequently becoming the federal interior minister, Mohsin, a prominent figure in media and politics, set up a seven-member selection committee. It comprises four ex-Test players: Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, and Mohammad Yousuf. Their task was to nominate an additional committee member, while Mohsin would appoint the captain, head coach, and data analyst.
Despite assurances of non-interference, it suggests Mohsin will select the captain from four candidates proposed by the committee.
The PCB’s governing body appears to lack the authority to decide on the captaincy, with indications that Babar Azam might reclaim his position following a disappointing performance in recent tournaments. This potential move, reportedly advocated by Yousuf and Razzaq, seems influenced by their connection with Inzamam-ul-Haq, who shares an agent with Babar.
This agent, known for challenging negotiations with the PCB during Zaka Ashraf’s tenure, had previously stirred controversy, leading to demands for Babar’s resignation. Following Babar’s exit, Shan Masood and Shaheen Shah Afridi assumed captaincy roles, though Afridi’s future as captain is under scrutiny despite a stint leading Lahore Qalandars in the PSL.
Pakistan is gearing up for a T20 series against New Zealand, with training underway in Kakul, Abbottabad. The search for a head coach continues, with Jason Gillespie recently considered for the position following negotiations with other international figures.
