Sports

Too many cooks in the kitchen: PCB under fire for hiring ‘consultants’ to chief selector

Netizens are questioning the merit of the new appointees, who seem to lack a clear role in the board

Webdesk

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1 Dec 2023

The presence of too many cooks in the kitchen often leads to a poor outcome, but the Pakistan Cricket Board seems to disregard this adage.

The national cricket board has officially announced the inclusion of ex-cricketers Kamran Akmal, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, and Salman Butt as consultants working alongside chief selector Wahab Riaz.

They have already begun their roles on the selection panel.

Their initial task involves contributing to the selection process for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to start on January 12, 2024, after the completion of the Test tour in Australia.

Apart from selection responsibilities, these consultants may be assigned additional duties, including organising skills camps, when not actively involved in selection duties.

Netizens are criticising PCB, questioning the merit of the new appointees, who seem to lack a clear role in the board, raising concerns about the necessity of these appointments.

The national cricket board and its chairman, Zaka Ashraf, have faced criticism since the World Cup fiasco, with many attributing it to his perceived 'unprofessional' approach to board matters.

Previously, Zulfiqar Malik, member of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee (MC), made serious allegations of "flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions" against PCB head Zaka Ashraf.

‘X’ user Waleed expressed reservations about the merit of the three former cricketers in these new appointments.

News Alert

Kamran Akmal, Salman But and Rao Iftekhar Anjum appointed as consultant of Chief Selector Wahab Riaz.

Dark era of Pakistan cricket just started!#PCB
— Waleed (@weedu276) December 1, 2023

Meanwhile, other cricket enthusiasts are questioning PCB's decision to hire Salman Butt, who faced accusations of match-fixing in the past.

Shame on PCB for appointing a spot fixer Salman Butt as consultant in the PCB selection committee. Whenever I think PCB can't stoop any lower, they always prove me wrong.
— Abdullah (@AbdullahSays99_) December 1, 2023

The PCB has confirmed the appointment of former Pakistan cricketers Kamran Akmal, Rao Iftikhar Anjum and Salman Butt as consultant members to chief selector Wahab Riaz.-

Shocking that Salman Butt has been given a position within the PCB, why not also hire Salim Malik.
— AmerCric 🏏 ✍️ (@Amermalik12) December 1, 2023

consultants to chief selector? what is wrong with pcb? why are they getting so many ppl for one job? is se pehle assistant batting coach and assistant team manager announce kiya tha. https://t.co/LAMCYTUHoI
— zehra (@allaboutcrick74) December 1, 2023

The wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal's 15-year career, spanning from 2002 to 2017, saw him represent Pakistan in 53 Tests, 157 ODIs, and 58 T20Is. He scored 6,871 runs across formats and claimed 453 dismissals.

From 2004 to 2010, Rao Iftikhar appeared in one Test, 62 ODIs and two T20Is and clinched 78 wickets in international matches.

Salman Butt played 33 Tests, 78 ODIs, and 24 T20Is and yielded 5,209 runs across formats, along with 11 international centuries. He represented Pakistan from 2003 to 2010, before getting banned for five years for his involvement in 2010 spot-fixing scandal.