by KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi responded to concerns over the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan’s white-ball squad and central contact, saying that the national selection committee has full authority over squad decisions including the inclusion and exclusion of players.
During an informal conversation with reporters in Karachi on Tuesday, Naqvi, who also serves as the country’s home minister, insisted on his non-interference in selection matters.
“The selection committee decides who will be included in or excluded from the team. I have never called for the inclusion or exclusion of any player, the committee has all the powers and I have full trust in it,” Naqvi said in response to questions about Fakhar’s future.
The left-handed opener was recently left out of Pakistan’s squads for tours to Australia and Zimbabwe, while his inclusion in the South Africa tour is uncertain. The PCB has also removed Zaman from its list of centrally contracted players.
His recent tweet expressing support for former captain Babar Azam, coinciding with the team announcements for the England Test series, has drawn criticism.
Naqvi had earlier stated in a press conference in Lahore that Zaman’s fitness and his tweet were factors in his failure.
Responding to a question regarding Pakistan’s hosting of the Champions Trophy, Naqvi expressed optimism and said, “Pakistan will host the entire Champions Trophy and all teams will participate here.”
However, he did not comment on reports that Pakistan had offered India to return to Chandigarh or Delhi after every Pakistan match.
Naqvi also added that the renovation work at Karachi National Stadium is expected to be completed by December 15 and the final works will require another 15 to 20 days.
“Once we complete the construction of the national stadium, we will start installing floodlights at the adjacent Oval cricket ground,” he added.
When asked for his opinion on the handling of Gary Kirsten’s resignation, he said PCB had not broken any contract and it was the South African who resigned from his position.
He said that Jason Gillespie has been appointed as the white-ball coach for now and that he is consulting a few names and a final decision on the next head coach will be made soon.
He also confirmed impending administrative changes within cricket’s governing body. “We have several vacancies to fill and will be appointing directors, along with some reshuffles,” he added.
