Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is expected to take on the role of Pakistan’s chief selector, according to a source from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This new development may result in the exclusion of Mickey Arthur, the director of cricket, and head coach Grant Bradburn from the team’s selection process.
Inzamam, who previously served as chief selector from 2016 to 2019, is set to make a return to the position. The Cricket Technical Committee, comprising members such as Misbah-ul-Haq, Inzamam, and Muhammad Hafeez, has been deliberating over the formation of the new selection committee.
It is now up to Misbah to gather the input of captain Babar Azam regarding the effectiveness of including the team director and head coach in the selection panel. Once Babar’s views are considered, the Cricket Technical Committee will make a final recommendation to PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf. The decision to be made is whether only Inzamam will become the new chief selector or if the entire selection committee will undergo a revamp.
Under the leadership of Najam Sethi as head of the Cricket Management Committee (CMC), a new selection committee was introduced, consisting of Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and secretary Hasan Cheema. Haroon Rasheed, a member of the old CMC, chaired the committee. No other former Pakistani players were included.
According to the source, next week will be crucial as the potential removal of Arthur and Bradburn from the selection process could lead to their dissatisfaction. Both coaches accepted their positions on the condition that they would have a say in the selection matters.
While Arthur is currently occupied with his coaching duties at Derbyshire, he is expected to take charge of the Pakistan team during the latter part of the Asia Cup and will be available for the World Cup in India and the tour of Australia later this year. Inzamam has previously worked with Arthur, notably during the team’s victorious campaign in the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup.
Inzamam’s return as chief selector could mark a significant shift in Pakistan’s team strategies and selection process. The final decision regarding the composition of the selection committee rests in the hands of Misbah, Babar Azam, and the chairman of the PCB.
