The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed middle-order wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan as the captain of the ODI and T20 cricket teams, with Salman Ali Agha as his vice-captain. During a press conference at the PCB headquarters in Lahore, the PCB Chairman announced this critical appointment. He shared that he had an in-depth discussion with Mohammad Rizwan about leadership, expressing confidence that Rizwan will achieve success as a captain. The Chairman added, “Only one person can be the captain; we can’t make all players the captain.”
The PCB Chairman highlighted that Babar Azam is a valuable asset to Pakistan. Babar, in a personal conversation with him, expressed his desire to step down from captaincy to focus on his batting, as he felt it was affecting his performance. The Chairman emphasized that it was Babar’s right to make such a decision, and everyone empathized with his situation, hoping he would regain his form.
Mohsin Naqvi added that he does not wish to criticize the past. He acknowledged Pakistan’s talent pool but pointed out the need for more efforts to bring it forward. He mentioned that Aaqib Javed is the convenor of the selection committee, with the experience of Aleem Dar and Azhar Ali also contributing. Decisions in the PCB Selection Committee are made through collective consultation, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard in the team’s journey.
He further stated that the central contract issue had been ongoing for quite some time. The selection committee worked diligently, carefully reviewing each case. The Chairman credited the selection committee for Pakistan’s recent victory against England, a significant achievement that demonstrated the team’s potential. He added that the national team will travel to Australia with a solid combination, a tour that presents both challenges and opportunities. He acknowledged that there was a delay in bringing Aaqib Javed on board but believes that success ultimately depends on divine will. He emphasized that if the team fights and competes, he will take full responsibility for the outcome.
He clarified that he has never instructed the selection committee on whom to play or not, expressing confidence in the positive results of the combination being formed. This reassurance about the fairness of the selection process should instill confidence in the audience about the team’s future.
In response to a question, the PCB Chairman explained that by ‘surgery,’ he meant that he advised on team selection, suggesting resting underperforming players and providing opportunities for young players. He clarified that his role is not to dictate the selection of players, but to provide strategic advice based on his understanding of the game and the team’s needs. This approach, he believes, will help the team perform at its best.
Aaqib Javed, the selection committee convenor, noted that the selected players will represent Pakistan in Australia, where they are familiar with bouncy pitches. He emphasized the importance of fitness in white-ball cricket, noting that the selection committee bases its decisions on conditions and form. Players are selected for the team based on their form and fitness. Commenting on creating spin-friendly tracks against England, he stated that home-ground advantage should be utilized, as other teams also do so, and it’s essential to evaluate the opposing team’s strengths and assess Pakistan’s chances.
