Fitness sole criterion for selection, top PCB officials decide

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with the coaching staff of the Men’s cricket team including white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, and Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, emphasized that fitness would be the primary criterion for player selection. This decision was made during a meeting held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Gaddafi Stadium.

Described as pivotal by the PCB, the meeting focused on formulating strategies to enhance batting, bowling, and fielding, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fitness across all levels of cricket. Chairman Naqvi expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s capabilities and assured them of full support in player development and coaching matters.

Acknowledging the abundance of talent within the team, Naqvi also underscored the importance of assembling optimal combinations for team composition. The meeting further included a thorough review of insights and proposals from the coaches aimed at improving team performance through structured plans, which garnered unanimous approval from the PCB Chairman.

PCB Director International Usman Wahla was also present at the meeting to oversee the discussions and decisions.