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Shan Masood And Gillespie Are No Longer Final Call Makers As Power Shifts To New Selectors

Jason Gillespie and Shan Masood [Source: @grassrootscric/X.com]Jason Gillespie and Shan Masood [Source: @grassrootscric/X.com]

In a series of bold moves, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not only made shocking player exclusions but also stripped Test captain Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie of their decision-making powers. This change comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing Test series against England, following their defeat in the first Test in Multan.

The PCB’s new selection panel has decided that neither Masood nor Gillespie will have the final say in selecting the playing eleven. According to a reliable PCB source, both were involved in discussions for the second Test lineup, but the ultimate decisions now lie solely with the new selectors.

"The playing eleven for the second Test (against England) has been finalised after consulting Shan and Gillispie but like until the first Test they no longer have final say in the selection of the playing eleven," the source said.

Previously, both the captain and head coach held voting roles on the national selection committee, alongside white-ball coach Gary Kirsten. However, things took a sudden turn after the loss in the first Test, with the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi granting full authority to the newly revamped selection panel.

The new panel includes prominent names like former cricketers Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, analyst Hasan Cheema, and Asad Shafiq. This group has been entrusted not only with team selection but also with strategising for matches, including overseeing pitch conditions.

Such sudden changes, though surprising, are not uncommon in Pakistan cricket. The team has a history of quick decisions, especially under pressure after losses, which can result in demotions or role adjustments.

PCB Drops Key Players For Remaining Two Tests Vs England

Alongside the leadership shift, several key players—Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed—have been dropped for the remaining two Tests against England. However, the panel disclosed that both Shaheen and Naseem had reported minor injuries, requesting to sit out the second Test.