Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a press conference on Sunday afternoon, at the headquarters of Pakistan Cricket, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

During the press conference, the chairman announced that the selection committee has been reorganised. Four members of the new selections committee – namely, Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq – were also present at the press conference.

“We have reorganised the selection committee. It will comprise seven members, and each will have equal power. There will be no Chief Selector so that there can be healthier debate. Each of the member selected to be part of the committee have been thoroughly deliberated upon. Four former players, the captain and head coach will also be part of the committee. A data analyst will also sit on the committee. There will be coordinators too, but they will not have voting power,” he said.

Earlier, all-rounder Imad Wasim took to social media to announce his decision to come out of retirement. Wasim announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2023 but has made a U-turn after a brilliant Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.

When asked about Imad Wasim’s decision to take back his retirement, the chairman said, “Our focus right now is the World Cup and his inclusion makes the team stronger. We have not discussed NOCs with him but we want him to play for the country. It will be the same for the rest of players. As for Haris Rauf, there was some misunderstanding. His contract has been reinstated and we are currently working on his injury. He is our star player and we have to look after him.

“There will be no relaxation on NOCs. We will follow policies as per the contracts. No player will be exempted. We will not be paying heed to any lobbying.”