KARACHI: Former captain Moin Khan has been appointed as Pakistan’s chief selector replacing Iqbal Qasim, who resigned after the team’s dismal performance in the Champions Trophy, the country’s cricket board (PCB) said yesterday.
The 41-year-old Moin played 69 Tests and 219 one-day internationals as a wicketkeeper-batsman for Pakistan during a 14-year career.
“Moin met with the PCB acting chairman Najam Sethi today and discussed in detail the role of the selectors and his vision for the future,” a board spokesperson said. Qasim had resigned from his post after Pakistan lost all three of their group matches at last month’s Champions Trophy.
Qasim cited personal and health reasons for his decision to step down but was known to be unhappy with interference from the team management in selection affairs.
Moin, who was a member of the Pakistan squads that won the World Cup in 1992 and reached the final seven years later, said the job was a challenge.
“I have accepted this as a challenge and I am glad that PCB and my own vision corresponds in terms of preparing a pool of talented cricketers who can mount an effective challenge in the 2015 World Cup,” Moin said.
The other selectors, former test cricketers Saleem Jaffer, Azhar Khan and Farrukh Zaman, would continue to work under Moin, the PCB added.
England unchanged for second Ashes Test - ECB
LONDON: England yesterday named an unchanged squad to face Australia in the second Ashes Test, starting at Lord’s later this week. The home side got off to the best possible start in the five-Test series, beating the tourists by 14 runs in a thrilling encounter at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge on Sunday.
National selector Geoff Miller said in an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement that picking the same squad would “provide options” for skipper Alastair Cook and coach Andy Flower.
Fast bowler Steven Finn struggled at Trent Bridge and even though the second Test, which starts on Thursday, is at the Middlesex seamer’s Lord’s home ground, consideration will be given as to whether the paceman should be replaced by either Tim Bresnan or Graham Onions.
“It was a fantastic start to the Investec Test series, with both sides showing a huge amount of skill and determination,” said Miller as he reflected on a dramatic match at Trent Bridge.
“I would like to congratulate England on showing a great deal of composure to win by 14 runs.”
The former England off-spinner added: “I have no doubt that the rest of the series will be equally compelling. We have selected the same squad for the Lord’s Test, because this continues to provide options for Alastair Cook and Andy Flower.”
England squad:
Alastair Cook (capt), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior (wkt), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Graham Onions, Steven Finn. REUTERS
