PCB considering significant restructuring of national team

LAHORE: In the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning a significant restructuring of the national cricket team.

The dramatic changes come as part of PCB’s strategy to rebuild with a focus on long-term success. According to reliable sources, captain Mohammad Rizwan will be rested as part of this overhaul. All-rounder Shadab Khan is reportedly being considered to take over the captaincy role.

Several cricketers are expected to be dropped from the squad, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir and Kamran Ghulam.

The cricketers likely to be included are Mohammad Haris, Sufiyan Muqeem, Arafat Minhas, Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently convened a meeting with selectors at the National Cricket Academy to discuss the team’s poor Champions Trophy campaign. During this meeting, Naqvi emphasised the need for a long-term vision, instructing selectors to build a team that can sustain success over time rather than focusing on short-term results. The PCB is expected to make an official announcement regarding the new team composition in the coming days, ahead of Pakistan’s next international assignment.