The reasons behind the resignation of former national cricket team selector Mohammad Yousuf have been revealed, highlighting tensions over player selection and contract management.
According to the media reports, sources close to the matter indicate that disagreements arose between Yousuf and one of the team's coaches regarding the inclusion of certain players in the squad. Yousuf advocated for giving opportunities to new talents like Kamran Ghulam, Zahid Mahmood, and Mohammad Ali, citing the need for fresh blood to address the team's recent struggles.
However, the coach reportedly favored continuity and expressed concerns about disrupting the team's momentum.
The selection of Abdullah Shafique also became a point of contention. the former legend proposed giving the young batsman a break to work on his technique, but the coach disagreed, leading to further clashes.
The differing views on player selection eventually escalated into a broader disagreement over the management of central contracts. Yousuf reportedly pushed for tougher decisions regarding contract categories, while the coach preferred a more lenient approach.
Ultimately, these disagreements led to Yousuf's decision to resign from his position as selector. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also accepted his departure from the selection committee.
Notably, the upcoming series, set to begin on October 7th in Multan, is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.
Pakistan squad for first Test against England: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zahid Mehmood.
England squad for Pakistan Test series: Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
Revised schedule: