The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to revamp its seven-member selection committee following Pakistan's underwhelming performance in the T20 World Cup. The PCB plans to conduct a comprehensive review to identify the reasons behind Pakistan's poor showing, with restructuring the selection committee emerging as a top priority. According to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB intends to streamline the committee's operations by reducing the number of its members and reconsidering the recent approach of operating without a designated head or chief selector.
Less than three months ago, the current selection committee was formed. Wahab Riaz, who previously served as the committee's chair, was demoted but retained as a member. The committee adopted a democratic approach, with all seven members having equal voting power. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that decisions would be reached by majority consensus after thorough debate and discussion.
However, Wahab Riaz is unlikely to be reinstated as the head of the committee if the role is reintroduced. Sources indicate growing frustration within the PCB, including from Wahab himself, regarding the public perception that he unofficially leads the committee and thus bears most of the criticism. It is highly probable that Wahab might be removed from the committee entirely, as Naqvi aims to send a clear message that no one is exempt from accountability.
On another front, no immediate decision regarding Babar Azam's captaincy is anticipated. Despite the heightened emotions following Pakistan's exit from the T20 World Cup, there is no urgency to address his leadership status, given that Pakistan's next white-ball fixture isn't until November.
The PCB's review will solicit feedback from various management members who were part of the touring squad, particularly head coach Gary Kirsten. Kirsten, who was appointed in April after an extensive search, holds significant influence within the PCB. Reports suggest Kirsten expressed concerns about the team's lack of cohesion during the tournament. While the exact details of his comments are unclear, it is believed that a candid and thorough exchange of views took place, likely influencing the content of his upcoming tour report to the PCB.
Should no decisions be publicly announced by then, any potential changes to the national team's structure may be reflected in the adjustments to the players' central contracts, which are set to expire on June 30. Although the PCB and the players agreed to three-year contracts last year, this only applies to the general terms. Individual player rankings within the contract categories can be altered based on performance, meaning players can be promoted, demoted, or even excluded entirely. Currently, the highest category includes Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.