PM Shehbaz Sharif instructs PCB chief to focus on merit-based selection

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to select players and officials based on merit. This move comes as Pakistan seeks to reform its cricket team after a disappointing performance in the World Cup held in June.

During an address at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where he attended an upgradation ceremony, Sharif directed PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to focus on overhauling the cricket team. He stressed that team selections should be based solely on merit and advised Naqvi to resist any political or external pressures that might compromise this principle.

"You should reform the cricket team and choose people based on merit, which is your specialty," Sharif told Naqvi. 

"Even if the prime minister recommends someone which goes against merit, you should politely decline it," he further added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of improving the domestic cricket system. He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing modernization of the Gaddafi Stadium, which is being upgraded to meet modern standards.

It is worth noting that 2025 Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan from February to March next year. The tournament will be hosted across three venues and will feature teams including Pakistan, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh.