by On 11 June 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board issued a statement confirming its national men’s selection committee remains largely unchanged—contrary to swirling rumors of a major shake‑up.
📌 What’s Actually Changing?
- No reshuffle of the core panel:
- Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, and Azhar Ali continue as voting members .
- Data analyst update:
- Hassan Cheema has been replaced by Usman Hashmi—a non‑voting, supporting role a-.
Overall, the committee remains “intact,” reassuring fans that there’s no wholesale change.
🛠️ Why the Board Stepped In
Recent media speculation suggested the possible removal of Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, potentially replaced by the likes of Sarfaraz Ahmed or analyst Sikandar Bakht. PCB’s swift response served to dampen these rumors and assert transparency in its decision-making.
📣 Evolving Consultation: More Collaborative
PCB’s media release emphasized a notable policy direction—the selection committee will consult fully with format-specific head coaches and team captains before finalizing squad picks.
This collaborative approach marks a positive shift from past controversies—most notably when coaches and captains were sidelined, prompting figures like Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten to voice their discontent, even resigning over diminished influence.
🧩 Who’s Who: Committee Members
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Aaqib Javed | Former fast bowler, ex‑coach, interim head coach across formats |
| Aleem Dar | Veteran umpire turned selector since October 2024 |
| Asad Shafiq | Experienced Test batsman, long-serving selector |
| Azhar Ali | Former Test captain and batsman, integral to the panel |
| Usman Hashmi | New data analyst; supports selection without voting rights |
🎯 Why This Matters
- Stability Over Fluctuation
Maintaining consistency offers squad predictability—especially reassuring after the PCB cycled through 26 selectors since August 2021. - Data-Driven, Coach-Endorsed
The analyst role remains, but key decision-making power now stays firmly with experienced ex‑players while leveraging additional insights from analysts. - Stronger Team Synergy
With coaches and captains involved earlier, squad choices are expected to better align with strategy and team dynamics.
🧭 What to Watch Next
- Series implications: The panel will take charge of upcoming tours, including the July T20I series in Bangladesh.
- Performance scrutiny: Their selections, especially of younger players versus established stars, will be under the microscope.
- Media follow-up: Any future adjustments—for analysts or committee members—could reflect changing board priorities.
✅ Bottom Line
Contrary to speculation, the PCB has upheld the existing selection committee, with only a single update—appointing Usman Hashmi as a non‑voting data analyst. This reinforces a commitment to continuity, expert leadership, and collaborative selection involving coaches and captains. As Pakistan gears up for crucial series ahead, this steady approach could pay off in cohesion and performance.
