KARACHI, 19 April 2007 — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed a new selection committee yesterday after the previous panel resigned in the wake of the team’s first-round exit from the World Cup.
Former Test player Salahuddin Ahmed, known as Sallu, will head the three-member paid selection committee, which will have Saleem Jaffer and Shafqat Rana, also former players, as members.
PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf told Reuters that the selectors, who would be paid salaries, had been appointed for two years.
“They would be required to watch the domestic matches on a regular basis. They have been asked to pay particular attention to fitness of the players,” he said.
Sallu, who has served as a national selector on 12 previous occasions, said his team would have a daunting task ahead.
“We have to start afresh after the disappointment of the World Cup,” he told Reuters.
“It is a big challenge for us.” Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament after losing their opening game to the West Indies and then being stunned by debutants Ireland.
Sallu said that the selectors would be holding a preliminary meeting today to draw up a shortlist of 30 players for a conditioning camp.
“We also have to decide whether the players who have got contracts to play in England for counties and league clubs should be asked to return and attend the camp,” he said.
Sallu said Pakistan could be required to play in a one-day series in Abu Dhabi next month against Sri Lanka. “We have been told the series is almost confirmed so that should be our first assignment.” The former Test player was a selector when Pakistan reached the final of the 1999 World Cup.
