Misbah-ul-Haq replaced as Pakistan chief selector by Mohammad Wasim

Wasim played 18 Tests and 25 ODIs for Pakistan between 1996 and 2000

Former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Wasim has been appointed as his country’s new chief selector, replacing head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, who previously held both roles.

Wasim, who will leave his role as head coach of the Northern region at the end of the domestic Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, will begin his duties by selecting a squad for January’s home Test series against South Africa.

The position has been available ever since Misbah stepped away three weeks ago; he had come under scrutiny from pundits and supporters for holding the chief selector and head coach jobs simultaneously.

Wasim’s contract will take him through to the next World Cup in 2023. “I have been very fortunate to have played with some of the finest cricketers and am confident that I will be able to execute those learnings in this challenging role,” he said.

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“We have a busy 2021 year ahead and I will focus on being positive on selections that not only address our short-term needs but also fulfil our long-term ambitions. We have immense talent in Pakistan and it is important that they are given opportunities.

“This is a performance-oriented world and, as such, my philosophy will be to promote meritocracy and select squads according to home and international conditions and requirements.

“As a chief selector, I will always be willing to make the hard calls, if these are in the best interest of Pakistan cricket. I look forward to working closely with head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam, as we collectively strive to take Pakistan cricket forward.”

Separately, Saleem Yousuf has replaced Iqbal Qasim as head of the PCB Cricket Committee.

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