In a strategic transfer to strengthen the choice panel, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named former cricketers Kamran Akmal, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, and Salman Butt as marketing consultant members to chief selector Wahab Riaz. This resolution has stirred each anticipation and scepticism amongst cricket fanatics.The trio assumes their roles instantly, coinciding with Pakistan’s upcoming five-match T20I collection in opposition to New Zealand, scheduled to kick off on January 12, following the Test tour to Australia. PCB emphasizes that when not concerned in choice duties, the consultants could also be assigned further tasks, together with conducting ability camps.
Worth declaring that Butt has served his time and Wahab and Akmal themselves have been solely ever questioned in 2010 however simply lookin like a wow on optics. (Also Hafeez v publicly expressed unhappiness with Amir return so unsure how he feels about this) pic.twitter.com/KfGVDAk45Q
— Osman Samiuddin (@OsmanSamiuddin) December 1, 2023
Akmal and Anjum’s Familiar Territory
While Kamran Akmal and Rao Iftikhar Anjum have prior expertise in choice tasks, this marks Butt’s first official function with PCB since his return from a ban after the spot-fixing scandal of 2010. Akmal, having represented Pakistan in varied codecs, was named chair of PCB’s Junior Selection committee earlier this 12 months. Anjum, a part of a three-man committee in Shahid Afridi’s interim chief selector period, now brings his experience to the present panel.
Butt’s Controversial Return
Salman Butt’s appointment has raised eyebrows because of his notorious involvement within the spot-fixing scandal. Despite being banned and serving time for his function within the 2010 controversy, Butt’s return to an official place with the PCB has triggered combined reactions from cricket followers. This transfer is a big step for Butt, who performed 33 Tests, 78 ODIs, and 24 T20Is and captained the workforce in the course of the tumultuous interval.
The Fans’ Verdict
While Akmal and Anjum’s choice was usually well-received, Butt’s inclusion has sparked criticism amongst followers. Social media platforms are buzzing with reactions, expressing reservations concerning the PCB’s resolution and questioning the knowledge of appointing a determine related to a darkish chapter in Pakistan cricket.
