Former Test cricketer and chief selector Salahuddin Sallu has commended PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his recent efforts, while also calling for the removal of Azhar Mahmood as assistant coach of the men’s national team.
During an interview with a local news channel, the former chief selector appreciated Naqvi for his recent decisions to get Pakistan cricket back on track.
“I admire the efforts being made by PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi to bring our cricket at par with the international standards. Those who have seen the Pakistan cricket team ruling world cricket in the past or have remained attached to Pakistan Cricket in any capacity are keen to see the revival of that era,” Sallu said.
For the unversed, following Pakistan’s two consecutive defeats in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, PCB Chairman Naqvi hinted at a major surgery in the team.
The Green Shirts were knocked out of the tournament from the group stage, after which the former player Wahab Riaz was removed from his position as the senior team manager as well as a member of the selection committee.
Former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was also removed from the selection committee, while team manager Mansoor Rana was also sacked.
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PCB later announced a revamped selection committee, featuring former players Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq along with the head coach and captain of the respective formats.
The cricket board also announced the introduction of a strict zero-tolerance policy for disciplinary infractions, with a renewed focus on players’ physical fitness and their involvement in domestic cricket.
Sallu heaped praise on the PCB chairman, welcoming the above-mentioned steps, and expressing hope that they will help in improving Pakistan’s cricket.
“Revamping of the selection committee, dismantling the player power, uplift of the infrastructure and making the domestic cricket appearances mandatory for all players are all excellent steps taken by Mr. Naqvi recently. They will, Inshallah, bear fruit very soon,” he stated.
However, he also urged the chairman to remove Azhar Mahmood, calling him incompetent for the job of Pakistan’s assistant coach.
“Azhar [Mahmood], in my opinion, does not deserve to be the team’s coach as he is not competent for the job and has failed to deliver whenever given the opportunity to serve Pakistan Cricket,” he said.
“I remember how PSL franchise Islamabad United sacked Azhar during the PSL 8 season which is a clear indication of his inability to motivate the players or help them overcome their shortcomings,” he concluded.
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