Star fast bowler Haris Rauf has had his central playing contract reinstated as Pakistan announces a new selection committee in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June. In a press conference held in Lahore, Pakistan chair Mohsin Naqvi discussed various issues being addressed by the team ahead of the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean. Rauf’s contract reinstatement follows its termination by the Pakistan Cricket Board earlier this year due to his withdrawal from the Test tour of Australia.
Naqvi acknowledged the error made by the PCB and reinstated Rauf’s contract immediately, emphasizing the importance of supporting the injured player during his rehabilitation.
Pakistan also introduced a new seven-person selection committee, comprising former players Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Yousuf, and Abdul Razzaq, with equal decision-making power and no chief selector. This committee will collaborate with the captain, head coach, and a data analyst to finalize the 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup.
The search for a new head coach is underway, with Naqvi expressing a desire for a balanced coaching panel comprising both foreign and Pakistani coaches.
Regarding the captaincy, Naqvi hinted at a possible change in leadership for the T20 World Cup, with Shaheen Afridi‘s tenure as captain under review. The decision will be made after the upcoming fitness camp.
Pakistan also disclosed the list of 29 players attending the fitness camp in Kakul, focusing on team building and enhancing physical and mental strength ahead of upcoming series and the T20 World Cup.
The reinstatement of Rauf’s contract and the retirement reversals of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir have intensified competition for spots in Pakistan’s final squad for the T20 World Cup. Naqvi welcomed Imad‘s decision to come out of retirement, emphasizing the team’s priority to field the strongest possible squad for the tournament while ensuring the welfare of all players, including Rauf.
