PM stresses merit-based selections

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to ensure that player and official selections are made based on merit.

Speaking at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore during a ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for an overhaul of the cricket team, underscoring that merit should be the sole criterion for selection. He asked Naqvi to resist any political or external pressures that might compromise the integrity of the selection process.

“You should reform the cricket team and choose people based on merit, which is your specialty,” Sharif stated. He further added, “Even if the prime minister recommends someone which goes against merit, you should politely decline it.” The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of enhancing the domestic cricket system. He expressed satisfaction with the modernisation efforts underway at Gaddafi Stadium.