Physically judging players more important than records on laptop: Chief Selector

Pakistan’s newly-appointed chief selector, Haroon Rasheed, believes that judging a player on his current form is more important than checking his previous record.

While records can aid the selection, Rasheed said that selectors need to be physically present on the ground to assess a player's fitness and ability.

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“Data provides you with information, so there is nothing wrong in using it. If you want to see past records of players and in which conditions they have performed, then you take help of data,”

Haroon Rasheed, in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, said, “But you have to physically be present to judge the current form and fitness of a player, which is most important.”

Former chief selector, Mohammad Wasim, was often referred to by some sections of media as ‘Laptop chief selector,’ as he used to keep his laptop next to him during announcing Pakistan team squads in press conferences.

The 69-year-old also revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will soon announce the selection panel, which will assist him. “Formation of the selection panel is in progress right now.

"I hope that there will be representation from all regions and PCB will choose selectors who can help us with modern-day cricket. We are looking at various aspects and will soon announce our selection panel members,” he said.

Finally, Rasheed emphasized that his previous experience in the selection committee will help him in his current role.

“Experience has no substitute. Najam Sethi believes that I am a thorough professional, which is why he gave me major roles in his last tenure and has now given me the responsibility of Chief Selector. I am hoping to fulfill the role to the best of my ability,” he concluded.