Mohammad Wasim replaces Misbah-ul-Haq as Pakistan’s chief selector

12/19/2020

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed that former batsman Mohammad Wasim will take over from Misbah-ul-Haq as the new chief selector of the national side, till the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup. Wasim was, incidentally, a part of the selection committee which was headed by Misbah.

After a year of serving the dual role of coach-cum-selector, former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has been relieved of one of the duties and will now exclusively serve as the head coach of the Pakistan national side. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed that Misbah’s role as the chief selector will now be taken over by former cricketer Mohammad Wasim, who played 18 Tests and 25 ODIs between 1996 and 2000.

Wasim, who was a part of the selection committee which was headed by Misbah, will now serve as the chief selector until the end of the 2023 World Cup, and the PCB will name a replacement for his place in the panel in the days to come.

Speaking on his appointment, the 43-year-old expressed that he is keen to put his experience to good use, and asserted that he will ‘promote meritocracy’.

"I have been very fortunate to have played with some of the finest cricketers and am confident that I will be able to execute those learnings in this challenging role. We have a busy 2021 year ahead and I will focus on being positive on selections that not only address our short-term needs but also fulfil our long-term ambitions. We have immense talent in Pakistan and it is important that they are given opportunities,” Wasim was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

"This is a performance-oriented world and, as such, my philosophy will be to promote meritocracy and select squads according to home and international conditions and requirements. As a chief selector, I will always be willing to make the hard calls, if these are in the best interest of Pakistan cricket. I look forward to working closely with head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam as we collectively strive to take Pakistan cricket forward."

The South Africa tour in early 2021, which comprises two Tests and three T20Is, will be Wasim’s first assignment as the national selector.