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PCB Removes Masood And Gillespie From Selection Panel After Pakistan’s Success Without Babar Azam

PCB has removed captains and coaches from selection panel [Source: @TheRealPCB, @BabarFanClub/X.com]PCB has removed captains and coaches from selection panel [Source: @TheRealPCB, @BabarFanClub/X.com]

In a stunning turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given its national selection committee a significant overhaul, removing the captains and head coaches of the Test and limited-overs squads from the selection panel. This decisive action followed Pakistan’s humiliating innings defeat against England in the first Multan Test, where the team’s performance was found wanting and raised questions about leadership and strategy.

Pakistan’s Resurgent Performance Leads PCB to Drop Captains and Coaches from Selection Panel 

This unexpected move comes less than a week after Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, and former captain Azhar Ali were inducted into the Pakistan selection committee, joining Asad Shafiq, Hasan Cheema, and several PCB officials, including team captains and coaches.

However, the PCB’s latest reshuffle has streamlined the panel, limiting it to five members – Dar, Javed, Ali, Shafiq, and Cheema – signalling a renewed focus and the removal of additional voices that previously played a part in squad selection.

The shakeup reportedly unfolded after selection committee members Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie voiced support for Babar Azam’s inclusion despite his recent dip in form.


Following a lacklustre performance in Multan with scores of 30 and 5 on a relatively friendly batting pitch, Azam’s place was a topic of debate. Masood even went as far as to state his desire to continue with Azam, advocating for a patient approach with the former captain.

However, two days before the second Test, Azam was dropped after a protracted discussion between the committee, Masood, Gillespie, and Usman Wahla, the PCB’s Director of International Cricket Operations, during the team’s training session.

Rising Stars Shine As Selectors Earn Praise For Bold Choices

Despite the criticism around Azam’s exclusion, the reshaped selection committee has earned accolades for its bolder approach, thanks to the outstanding performances from debutant Kamran Ghulam and the recalled off-spinner Sajid Khan.

Ghulam made a spectacular debut with a century, while Khan recorded remarkable figures, taking seven wickets in an innings to post the best-ever bowling performance in Multan Tests.

These inspired choices have not only strengthened the team’s on-field performance but have also bolstered the credibility of the committee’s decisions in the eyes of fans and analysts alike.

Looking Forward To Australia As Selectors Weigh Options

With the selection committee’s tasks far from over, their next big test will be the squad announcements for Pakistan’s ODI and T20 series in Australia next month.

As the PCB looks to rebuild and re-strategize, all eyes will be on Dar, Javed, Ali, Shafiq, and Cheema to bring consistency and steer the team away from the recent setbacks. 

This new lineup in the selection committee, bolstered by the arrival of fresh talent and sharper scrutiny, may just be the remedy Pakistan cricket needs to restore its winning ways Down Under.