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Salahuddin Sallu, a former Test player and chief selector, commended PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his proactive steps aimed at enhancing Pakistan cricket. Despite this praise, Sallu emphasized the need for decisive action, urging Naqvi to remove assistant coach Azhar Mahmood from his position, citing concerns over his suitability for the national team role.
The Pakistan cricket team has faced significant challenges in recent months, notably suffering a disappointing early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Under the leadership of Babar Azam, the team faced setbacks including losses to the United States of America and India in crucial matches.
In a restructuring move, PCB Chairman Naqvi has already made changes by dismissing Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee. The newly constituted selection committee now includes the captain, head coach, and non-voting ex-officio members Azhar Mahmood, Bilal Afzal, Hassan Cheema, Nadeem Khan, and Usman Wahla.
Admire The Efforts Being Made By PCB Chief – Salahuddin Sallu
In an interview with The Express Tribune on Monday, Salahuddin Sallu voiced his appreciation for Mohsin Naqvi’s endeavors to uplift Pakistan cricket to global benchmarks. Salahuddin underscored the collective aspiration among former cricketers to witness a resurgence akin to the golden era of the sport.
“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 with Pakistan Cricket in any capacity are keen to see the revival of that era,” Salahuddin said.
The former cricketer emphasized the significance of Mohsin Naqvi’s reforms in response to Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup performance. Sallu underscored the restructuring of the selection committee, improvements in infrastructure, and the mandatory participation in domestic cricket as crucial steps that promise positive outcomes.
“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,” Salahuddin added.
Doesn’t Deserve To Be The Team’s Coach – Salahuddin Sallu
Salahuddin Sallu recommended to the PCB chairman that assistant coach Azhar Mahmood be replaced, citing concerns about his ineffectiveness and subpar performance. Sallu noted that Azhar was dismissed by Islamabad United during the PSL 8 season, underscoring his inability to adequately motivate and assist players.
“Azhar, in my opinion, does not deserve to be the team’s coach as he is not competent for the job and have failed to deliver whenever given the opportunity to serve Pakistan Cricket. 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.
After a tumultuous 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar Azam relinquished his captaincy. Shaheen Afridi briefly assumed the role but was later replaced by Babar following a disappointing 1-4 series loss to New Zealand. Previously, Babar had led Pakistan to the semi-finals and finals of the T20 World Cup in 2021 and 2022, respectively, though the team fell short of securing the championship.
