National selector Aaqib Javed has defended the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to make major changes to the Test squad and coaching staff midway through the England series, saying he is prepared to take responsibility for his role in the selection process.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Aaqib said the selection committee was responsible for recommending the squad, while decisions over the playing XI were ultimately made by the captain and head coach.
His comments came after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sought written explanations from Aaqib, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq over the selection of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq for the Test squad.
The PCB has given the selection committee members 24 hours to explain the basis and rationale behind their recommendations.
The notice referred to a June 2 selection committee meeting, with its minutes submitted on July 1, during which players for Pakistan’s Test tours of the West Indies and England were considered.
Meanwhile, sources said Misbah-ul-Haq had decided to resign from the selection committee and informed the PCB of his decision. He is expected to serve a notice period before formally stepping down.
Aaqib defends mid-series Pakistan squad changes
Aaqib said he had discussed the possibility of including fast bowler Ubaid Shah with the captain and head coach before the second Test, but the suggestion was not implemented.
He said that after Pakistan lost the series, there was little reason not to give opportunities to new players ahead of the third Test in Birmingham.
“When decisions are not being made according to the plan, messages are conveyed that the playing eleven needs to be corrected,” Aaqib said.
The national selector also defended the decision to release seven players midway through the series, arguing that established players could not be exempt from accountability when they failed to compete at the required level.
He said the message to the recalled players was straightforward: performance and effort were non-negotiable during an important overseas tour.
According to Aaqib, the original 17-member squad had been selected on merit and based on previous performances, but repeated failures to perform required the PCB to take action.
Aaqib hints at action over Imam-ul-Haq injury
Addressing the controversy surrounding Imam-ul-Haq, Aaqib described it as a “big question mark” that the opener was unable to bat in either innings of a Test because of a muscle-pull injury.
“Players have played with plasters on before. This is unfortunate, and action will be taken,” he said, without providing further details.
Aaqib also discussed Sarfaraz Ahmed’s brief tenure as head coach, saying results were not the only factor in assessing a coach.
He said the way a coach managed available resources and led the team was equally important, regardless of whether the coach had been in the position for five months or five years.
Aaqib rejects Jason Gillespie allegations
Responding to allegations made by former Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, Aaqib rejected claims that he had sought complete control of the team or attempted to force the Australian coach out.
Aaqib said Gillespie’s main concern was an impression that he wanted to become Pakistan’s head coach himself, which he denied.
He said he had no interest in coaching the national team and had only been asked by the PCB to temporarily oversee both formats while a new coach was recruited through an advertising and interview process.
Babar admits Pakistan failed to capitalise on favourable conditions at Lord’s
Aaqib acknowledged that foreign coaches, including Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, had not spent enough time in Pakistan, stressing that commitment to the country was important.
He praised new head coach Mike Hesson for his involvement with the players and said Hesson had remained present and worked with the team in different conditions since taking charge.
Aaqib says player quality is Pakistan cricket’s core problem
Aaqib said the biggest problem facing Pakistan cricket was the quality of available players rather than selection or coaching.
“At the end of the day, whatever the selector or coach does, the player has to improve himself day by day,” he said.
He argued that Pakistan’s cricketing decline had developed over several years and could not be blamed on one chairman, coach or selector.
Aaqib also rejected the perception that he alone controlled Pakistan’s selection decisions, saying he was one of four selectors and that the final team selection involved the captain and head coach as part of a joint process.
Pakistan make major changes after England defeats
Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in both Tests against England, losing the opening match by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s.
The results gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
The PCB subsequently released seven players from the squad ahead of the third Test in Birmingham: Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah were named as replacements.
The board also released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking charge of the Test side ahead of the Birmingham match.
