Can T20 failures justify ODI overhaul? Experts slam PCB’s new selection policy
Can T20 failures justify ODI overhaul? Experts slam PCB’s new selection policy
By Nawaz Gohar ; The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection policy is under fire, with critics suggesting that emotional decisions following a disappointing T20 World Cup performance have now bled into the One-Day International (ODI) format.
Following dissatisfaction with World Cup performances, fines were reportedly imposed on players. Now, several of those same players have been excluded from the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, despite this being an entirely different format and a crucial part of preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup.
According to sources, the most prominent decisions include dropping Saim Ayub and Babar Azam from the squad. Saim Ayub has played a key role in series against Australia and South Africa during his short but impressive career, maintaining an ODI average of nearly 47.
Similarly, Babar Azam is considered one of Pakistan’s most successful ODI batters, with his most recent ODI century being a match-winning effort. Critics argue that his exclusion feels more like a reaction to T20 form rather than a calculated ODI strategy.
While new faces from the domestic circuit have been included, questions are being raised about their ODI credentials:
Sahibzada Farhan was selected based on recent T20 form, despite not playing a 50-over match since 2024.
The List A records of Ghazi Ghouri and Saad Masood are deemed insufficient by experts, though they are viewed as prospects for the future.
Furthermore, the squad lacks a left-arm finger spinner, a role typically effective in Bangladeshi conditions. While wrist spinners like Abrar Ahmed and other youngsters are included, the omission of veteran Mohammad Nawaz has left critics worried about a lack of balance that could benefit the host team.
Overall, analysts suggest that T20 failures are overshadowing ODI strategy, raising the question: Are these decisions part of a long-term plan, or merely a knee-jerk reaction?
