Haroon Rasheed appointed as the Chair of the Men’s National Selection Committee

[MenInG]

Used and discarded.

Haroon Rasheed must be feeling awful.

[BunnyRabbit]

Used and discarded.

Haroon Rasheed must be feeling awful.

He's leeched PCB for many decades without doing much. I guess time hunts everyone.
Another good thing is the ones calling shots will have it coming for them in future as well.

As of now, Mickey is the only one in the system who can actually stand up to the chronic leechers without bowing to outside influence. Yes, he may be a part timer and his appointment itself doesn't look good as it makes Pakistani job look inferior. But one thing about Mickey is he will get rid of a lot of dead weight. Hopefully the likes of Bradburn, Morkel and others will be mindful of that too.

If only the head of PCB could do that as well. (Yes our PCB chairmen are themselves stooges of the ruling parties)

[MenInG]

In an interview, Najam Sethi:

Selection committee will include Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed, Team Director Mickey Arthur, Head Coach Grant Bradburn and Data Analyst Hassan Cheema.

The PCB site shows



So are Mohammad Sami and Yasir Hameed no longer selectors?

[MenInG]

Now Confirmed by the PCB

==

PCB confirms appointments to men's selection committee

Lahore, 21 May 2023:

The Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed three appointments to the national men's selection committee, which will select senior, Shaheens and U19 sides.

The new selection committee comprises Haroon Rashid (chair), Hassan Cheema (selection committee secretary and manager analytics and team strategy for national men's side), Mickey Arthur (national men's team's director), and Grant Bradburn (national men's team's head coach).

The first task of the selection committee is to name the players for the fast and spin bowling camps next month in Lahore, which will be announced in due course.

[RedwoodOriginal]

Hassan Cheema's appointment is a great one. He is one of the most rational and sensible minds commenting or writing about Pakistan cricket. Someone who has the pulse on domestic cricket and someone who is also aware of the massive issues that plague our system from the pitches to player selection. Above all, he brings a fresh perspective.

I feel much more confident in our team selection for the World Cup with him and Rehan-ul-Haq in key positions.

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Hassan Cheema's appointment is a great one. He is one of the most rational and sensible minds commenting or writing about Pakistan cricket. Someone who has the pulse on domestic cricket and someone who is also aware of the massive issues that plague our system from the pitches to player selection. Above all, he brings a fresh perspective.

I feel much more confident in our team selection for the World Cup with him and Rehan-ul-Haq in key positions.

Fully echo the above post. For any organisation to succeed, you need the decision makers from top down to make rationale decisions.

For too many years, Pakistan selection has been compromised by selection based on seniority, reputation, flavour of the month etc etc.

Once you have a clear, cohesive strategy in place, and strong decision makers who select based on that strategy, then inshAllah you atleast give yourselves a chance.

Now, it’s on the fans to be patient with this lot.

[BunnyRabbit]

They've decided to keep the one guy who has no knowledge of domestic cricket as chairman of the committee.

Regarding Hasan Cheema, he's built an IU unit that only prioritizes top order. They've done literally nothing to bolster their middle order or bowling lineup since 2020. Stats give you the idea but it shouldn't be a be all thing for selections. Bradburn and Mickey definitely wouldn't know how the guys' game is of recent, Cheema will provide the stats, instead of Haroon Rasheed, should have appointed someone who actually watches domestic cricket rather than securing a job for himself in every regime.

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

They've decided to keep the one guy who has no knowledge of domestic cricket as chairman of the committee.

Regarding Hasan Cheema, he's built an IU unit that only prioritizes top order. They've done literally nothing to bolster their middle order or bowling lineup since 2020. Stats give you the idea but it shouldn't be a be all thing for selections. Bradburn and Mickey definitely wouldn't know how the guys' game is of recent, Cheema will provide the stats, instead of Haroon Rasheed, should have appointed someone who actually watches domestic cricket rather than securing a job for himself in every regime.

I’d counter that both Azam Khan has gone well recently, plus Shadab’s generally been good in the middle order before this season.

Personally I think Haroon’s just a figurehead. No player’s going to be picked that Mickey doesn’t want.

[BunnyRabbit]

I’d counter that both Azam Khan has gone well recently, plus Shadab’s generally been good in the middle order before this season.

Personally I think Haroon’s just a figurehead. No player’s going to be picked that Mickey doesn’t want.

Their bowling has been pretty weak since 2019 yet they've done nothing really to change (apart from getting Hasan Ali who's there more due to being close with Shadab and Fahim). All their oversees picks concentrate on getting top order batters.

We didn't need a figurehead. Needed someone who watches domestic cricket and can present their case to the coaches as to why they should be selected.

[RedwoodOriginal]

They've decided to keep the one guy who has no knowledge of domestic cricket as chairman of the committee.

Regarding Hasan Cheema, he's built an IU unit that only prioritizes top order. They've done literally nothing to bolster their middle order or bowling lineup since 2020. Stats give you the idea but it shouldn't be a be all thing for selections. Bradburn and Mickey definitely wouldn't know how the guys' game is of recent, Cheema will provide the stats, instead of Haroon Rasheed, should have appointed someone who actually watches domestic cricket rather than securing a job for himself in every regime.

I think you're selling him short a bit. For one thing, no other team has been as successful in the PSL as IU. But even beyond that, Hassan Cheema has a great understanding of Pakistan cricket. I've been reading his columns for years and follow him on Twitter as well. He's very knowledgeable and talks sense.

[BunnyRabbit]

I think you're selling him short a bit. For one thing, no other team has been as successful in the PSL as IU. But even beyond that, Hassan Cheema has a great understanding of Pakistan cricket. I've been reading his columns for years and follow him on Twitter as well. He's very knowledgeable and talks sense.

Me too. But he recently said the coaches should be Pakistani at both franchise and national level.

I don't know how anyone can claim having Azhar Mahmood as a head coachis better than having Dean Jones.

There's been the same pattern of last 3 seasons of IU. Their bowling lacks total control and leaves everything for the batters. And then the batters choke in the playoffs.

I think Rehan ul Haq is a much better appointment. Analysts need to know that eye of a great coach/scout has a lot of value too as they can see the player as a human rather than a specimen. Which is where I think Haroon Rashid shouldn't have been retained. Someone who watches domestic cricket and has a good eye for talent without being too self centered(M. Wasim). Bradburn and Mickey definitely don't watch domestic cricket. With Haroon Rasheed, the regional bias is going to come in as well as he is amongst the cult of Karachi lobbyists like Moin, Sikandar, Latif, etc for always portraying Karachi players as victims. Even if there's a whole Sindh province they should be representing, yet they try to make everything about Lahore vs Karachi. His last selection in his previous tenure (2016) included Khurram Manzoor, Mohammad Sami in t20is.

[gazza619]

Hassan Cheema's appointment is a great one. He is one of the most rational and sensible minds commenting or writing about Pakistan cricket. Someone who has the pulse on domestic cricket and someone who is also aware of the massive issues that plague our system from the pitches to player selection. Above all, he brings a fresh perspective.

I feel much more confident in our team selection for the World Cup with him and Rehan-ul-Haq in key positions.

Well being a writer / author and criticising someone else’s decisions is one thing.

Selecting on merit and the best is a totally different ball game.

Time will tell.

[cricketjoshila]

So a data analyst as a selector. If this works PCB may have brought a new innovation to cricket selection.

[MenInG]

So a data analyst as a selector. If this works PCB may have brought a new innovation to cricket selection.

Or good time pass.

Why make an analyst PART of the selection committee? He should be part of a panel of experts that the Committee consults.

[cricketjoshila]

Or good time pass.

Why make an analyst PART of the selection committee? He should be part of a panel of experts that the Committee consults.

Thats also there. But i would give PCB a thumbs up for trying a new way of selection.

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Or good time pass.

Why make an analyst PART of the selection committee? He should be part of a panel of experts that the Committee consults.

I think that’s what he’ll be in effect, ie a consultant rather than a decision maker. Making him part of the committee gives heft to his recommendations I suppose. I think having him around will stop from completely left field typically Pakistani selections from taking place. By that I mean for e.g. a dropped player, who hasn’t done anything noteworthy domestically, but whose reputation is enhanced by just not being part of the current squad. Having a data guy on the selection committee immediately puts a stop to that because the dropped player literally has no stats to back his recall.

[DeadlyVenom]

The more people that we can get involved that aren't a part of the traditional cricketing establishment the better.

The ex-players brigade has ruined our cricket with their nepotistic and unadventurous selections.

Cheema can shake things up.

[cricketjoshila]

Is this the “Moneyball" way in cricket?

[MenInG]

I think that’s what he’ll be in effect, ie a consultant rather than a decision maker. Making him part of the committee gives heft to his recommendations I suppose. I think having him around will stop from completely left field typically Pakistani selections from taking place. By that I mean for e.g. a dropped player, who hasn’t done anything noteworthy domestically, but whose reputation is enhanced by just not being part of the current squad. Having a data guy on the selection committee immediately puts a stop to that because the dropped player literally has no stats to back his recall.

There should be a team of analysts, not just one.

[MenInG]

Haroon Rasheed on insecurity of some players:


Haroon Rasheed, shared a revealing story that shed light on the insecurity felt by Sarfaraz Ahmed, during his previous tenure as chief selector. The incident took place in 2015 when Pakistan's then one-day captain Azhar Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and batter Asad Shafiq had decided to perform Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage.

Around the same time, Pakistan was scheduled to play an ODI series with Zimbabwe in first week of October. The national selection committee had initially planned to rest the three players for the three ODIs in Zimbabwe, allowing them to focus on their pilgrimage.

Rasheed recounted the incident, stating that he had informed Azhar Ali about the decision and advised him to relay the information to Sarfaraz and Asad as well. However, a few hours later, Haroon received a call from Sarfaraz expressing his desire to go to Zimbabwe for the series. Sarfaraz voiced his concerns about being targeted and potentially losing his place in the team, leaving Haroon at a loss for words.

"Pakistan was supposed to tour Zimbabwe. I am telling you about it in terms of insecurities. Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Sarfaraz Ahmed were going for Hajj. Pakistan had a match next day after the completion of Hajj. So I told Azhar that you three should focus on performing Hajj and can rest for the series. He agreed. I told them that you should let Sarfaraz and Asad know about it as well,"

"After one or two hours, I got a call from Sarfaraz and said that he wants to talk to me. He said he wants to go to Zimbabwe. He said some things after which I had no answer. He said ‘you don’t know Haroon bhai that they are after me and they will kick me out’"

"The point is we as selectors need to have better communication with players so that they don’t feel insecure about their places"

[DeadlyVenom]

Haroon Rasheed on insecurity of some players:


Haroon Rasheed, shared a revealing story that shed light on the insecurity felt by Sarfaraz Ahmed, during his previous tenure as chief selector. The incident took place in 2015 when Pakistan's then one-day captain Azhar Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and batter Asad Shafiq had decided to perform Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage.

Around the same time, Pakistan was scheduled to play an ODI series with Zimbabwe in first week of October. The national selection committee had initially planned to rest the three players for the three ODIs in Zimbabwe, allowing them to focus on their pilgrimage.

Rasheed recounted the incident, stating that he had informed Azhar Ali about the decision and advised him to relay the information to Sarfaraz and Asad as well. However, a few hours later, Haroon received a call from Sarfaraz expressing his desire to go to Zimbabwe for the series. Sarfaraz voiced his concerns about being targeted and potentially losing his place in the team, leaving Haroon at a loss for words.

"Pakistan was supposed to tour Zimbabwe. I am telling you about it in terms of insecurities. Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Sarfaraz Ahmed were going for Hajj. Pakistan had a match next day after the completion of Hajj. So I told Azhar that you three should focus on performing Hajj and can rest for the series. He agreed. I told them that you should let Sarfaraz and Asad know about it as well,"

"After one or two hours, I got a call from Sarfaraz and said that he wants to talk to me. He said he wants to go to Zimbabwe. He said some things after which I had no answer. He said ‘you don’t know Haroon bhai that they are after me and they will kick me out’"

"The point is we as selectors need to have better communication with players so that they don’t feel insecure about their places"

The article made me laugh. Haroon is relaying a story about how he asked Azhar to pass on a message to other players that they were being rested while at the same time saying that selectors need to have better communication.

[Major]

The article made me laugh. Haroon is relaying a story about how he asked Azhar to pass on a message to other players that they were being rested while at the same time saying that selectors need to have better communication.

was thinking the same

[Markhor]

The article made me laugh. Haroon is relaying a story about how he asked Azhar to pass on a message to other players that they were being rested while at the same time saying that selectors need to have better communication.

The second worst Chief Selector after Iqbal Qasim. He mentions that 2015 tour of ZIM - we actually shelled an ODI and here's our Top 6 that day:

Azhar Ali
Bilal Asif
Mohammad Hafeez
Asad Shafiq
Shoaib Malik
Sarfraz Ahmed

Thank God we've moved on from that era of white ball cricket.

[MenInG]

Not sure if Haroon is there to make decisions or be a Yes man to Mickey and Sethi?

[RedwoodOriginal]

Or good time pass.

Why make an analyst PART of the selection committee? He should be part of a panel of experts that the Committee consults.

It's not as if putting 60 year old ex-cricketers in this position for decades has helped us in any meaningful way. Because structurally things are still terrible. So I don't see what's wrong with trying something new with a guy who brings a fresh and modern perspective on things.

[RedwoodOriginal]

Haroon Rasheed on insecurity of some players:


Haroon Rasheed, shared a revealing story that shed light on the insecurity felt by Sarfaraz Ahmed, during his previous tenure as chief selector. The incident took place in 2015 when Pakistan's then one-day captain Azhar Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and batter Asad Shafiq had decided to perform Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage.

Around the same time, Pakistan was scheduled to play an ODI series with Zimbabwe in first week of October. The national selection committee had initially planned to rest the three players for the three ODIs in Zimbabwe, allowing them to focus on their pilgrimage.

Rasheed recounted the incident, stating that he had informed Azhar Ali about the decision and advised him to relay the information to Sarfaraz and Asad as well. However, a few hours later, Haroon received a call from Sarfaraz expressing his desire to go to Zimbabwe for the series. Sarfaraz voiced his concerns about being targeted and potentially losing his place in the team, leaving Haroon at a loss for words.

"Pakistan was supposed to tour Zimbabwe. I am telling you about it in terms of insecurities. Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Sarfaraz Ahmed were going for Hajj. Pakistan had a match next day after the completion of Hajj. So I told Azhar that you three should focus on performing Hajj and can rest for the series. He agreed. I told them that you should let Sarfaraz and Asad know about it as well,"

"After one or two hours, I got a call from Sarfaraz and said that he wants to talk to me. He said he wants to go to Zimbabwe. He said some things after which I had no answer. He said ‘you don’t know Haroon bhai that they are after me and they will kick me out’"

"The point is we as selectors need to have better communication with players so that they don’t feel insecure about their places"

Could have started by communicating with these three players directly, no? or am I missing something here?

[Bilal7]

Honestly speaking, the LOs teams are in a great place so even a dud CS can't screw things up.

The only things that need to happen is sending Shan Masood back to the domestic circuit and bringing Imad Wasim back into the ODI setup. Perhaps a recall for Mohammad Amir too.

As for test cricket, that seems to be of no importance these days and apart from Babar racking up hundreds, I don't think the public cares too much either.