Pakistan Cricket Board forms new selection committee

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formed a new selection committee, which includes legendary umpire Aleem Dar, former pacer Aqib Javed, former captain Azhar Ali, and Hasan Cheema.

The PCB surprised many by retaining Aleem Dar in the selection panel. Alongside him, former fast bowler Aqib Javed and ex-captain Azhar Ali have also been appointed.

Aleem, 56, made his debut in first-class umpiring during the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Before becoming an umpire, he played 17 first-class matches and 18 List A matches between 1986 and 1998. He served on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires from 2003 to 2023.

Following a humiliating home whitewash against Bangladesh and another disappointing defeat against England in Multan, where Pakistan lost by an innings and 47 runs, the PCB announced reforms in the selection committee. This decision came after former star cricketer Mohammad Yousuf resigned from his role as selector on September 29. Yousuf and the PCB's selection panel faced harsh criticism regarding the team selection.