Key players selection under scrutiny

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reportedly sought a written explanation from a member of its selection or advisory committee over the selection of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq for Pakistan’s Test tours of the West Indies and England. Reportedly, the notice, issued by the PCB on August 31, relates to a selection meeting held on June 2 at which the committee was tasked with considering players for the Test squad for the two tours. A media report says Rizwan and Imam were shortlisted following the committee member’s recommendation. The PCB has asked the member through the notice issued to him to explain the basis for their selection, including the criteria used, their performances and other factors considered during the process. The board has also sought details of how the recommendation was reached and the reasons behind the eventual decision to include the two players. The committee member has been given 24 hours from receipt of the notice to submit a written response, with the PCB describing the matter as urgent and of “utmost importance”. The move comes as the PCB undertook a major overhaul of Pakistan’s Test side following two heavy defeats at the hands of England in the opening matches of the three-Test series. Pakistan suffered an innings and 103-run defeat in the first Test at Headingley before losing the second by 194 runs at Lord’s. The results prompted the board to make sweeping changes to the squad and coaching set-up. Rizwan and Imam were among seven players released from the Test squad ahead of the third and final match in Birmingham. Imam’s release also followed a left calf injury, while Rizwan was among the senior players sent home as part of the changes. The PCB also removed Sarfaraz Ahmad and bowling coach Umar Gul from their positions. White-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been brought in to oversee the team for the final Test.