KARACHI: The national men's selection committee convened in the metropolis for a pivotal official meeting aimed at charting the course for the future of Pakistani cricket.
Under the chairmanship of Wahab Riaz, the committee engaged in discussions. As per sources, one of the primary agendas was to kick start preliminary consultations regarding domestic contracts.
The committee diligently assessed the performance metrics from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and National T20 Cup matches
Meanwhile, the final squad selection for the upcoming New Zealand T20I series would be contingent upon the outcomes of the ongoing National T20.
In attendance were the members of the selection committee- Tauseef Ahmed, and Wasim Haider. The meeting also saw the presence of consultants to the Chief Selector, Kamran Akmal and Rao Iftikhar.
Wajahatullah Wasti was not part of the meeting due to health concerns.
Remember, Salman Butt was also announced consultant to Wahab with Kamran and Iftikhar, however, the latter withdrew his name in an urgent presser after immense backlash from various circles.
Wahab also confirmed the appointment of Test batter Asad Shafiq to the committee.
The 37-year-old will be seen assisting the team during the New Zealand T20I series as his initial assignment.
The delay in Shafiq joining the selection committee comes as he is due to play in the Sindh Premier League (SPL), which is scheduled to take place this month.
Wahab Riaz flew to Karachi from Lahore and has been present at various centres to monitor players' performances in the ongoing domestic tournament.
Remember, following three ICC World Test Championship matches in Australia from 14 December to 7 January, Pakistan will travel to New Zealand for five T20Is, which will kick-start their T20 World Cup preparations. These matches will be held from 12-21 January.
The schedule is:
12 Jan – 1st T20I, Auckland
14 Jan – 2nd T20I, Hamilton
17 Jan – 3rd T20I, Dunedin
19 Jan – 4th T20I, Christchurch
21 Jan – 5th T20I, Christchurch
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.- Wahab Riaz