Pakistan cricket is beginning to see the results of its internal “surgery” as Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has given Aaqib Javed a free hand to take significant steps in ending groupings within the team. As part of these efforts, the previously stringent fitness standards have also been temporarily relaxed.
According to sources, after more than three years, the Pakistan team secured its first home Test victory yesterday, thanks to several bold decisions. Although no official appointment has been made for the head of the selection committee, Aaqib Javed is informally handling these duties. In a recent meeting with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Aaqib requested full authority to steer the team back to winning ways and eliminate internal groupings, which was granted.
The positive effects of this decision have started to show. On Aaqib’s recommendation, the selection committee was reduced from 11 members to 6. The idea behind this change is to curb the influence of player power. Previously, captains and coaches avoided voting against senior players, but with fewer members, this dynamic is expected to shift. Furthermore, the practice of having selectors without voting rights has been questioned and deemed unnecessary.
Sources indicate that one reason behind benching both Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi was to dismantle groupings and foster unity within the team. Although both players’ recent performances were not up to the mark, the previous selectors were keen to give them an entire series. However, the message has now been made clear—any player involved in group politics will be sent home on the next available flight.
Up until the first Test, a strict fitness policy was in place. Nauman Ali and Zahid Mahmood were tasked with completing a 2-kilometer run in 8 minutes during the match at Multan Cricket Stadium, but both failed and were sent home. They were given another chance after the defeat, but once again, neither could meet the requirement.
At this point, Aaqib Javed and other selectors convinced the team management that, considering the team’s current needs, there should be some temporary leniency in the fitness policy. This is why Nauman and Zahid were able to make it into the playing XI. However, Sajid Khan maintained fitness levels equal to the rest of the squad.
