Islamabad, September 29, 2024 – Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Yousaf has officially stepped down from his role on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee, citing personal reasons.
His resignation, which comes just six months after his appointment, was announced on Sunday, marking a significant change in the team’s management landscape.
Yousaf, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated right-handed batsmen, expressed his deep respect for the team and his pride in contributing to their growth. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he reflected on his tenure and wished the national team continued success.
“I announce my resignation as a selector for the Pakistan cricket team due to personal reasons. Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan cricket,” Yousaf wrote. “I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players, and wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness.”
In response to Yousaf’s departure, the PCB confirmed his resignation and clarified that his decision was driven by the need to focus on other key responsibilities within the cricket board.
“The PCB expresses its sincere gratitude to Mohammad Yousaf for his invaluable contributions during his tenure as a selection committee member. Yousaf will continue to play a pivotal role at the PCB, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience as the batting coach at the High Performance Centre,” stated a PCB spokesperson.
Yousaf’s role as a selector began in March 2024, when PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi introduced a revamped selection committee consisting of seven members with equal decision-making authority. Despite the committee’s collective power structure, Yousaf’s exit marks a significant shift in its composition, leaving a void in the team’s oversight.
A former head coach of the Pakistan U19 team, Yousaf led them to a respectable third-place finish in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup earlier this year. His contributions to youth development and cricket strategy remain well-regarded.
Yousaf’s resignation follows a period of turbulence for Pakistan cricket, particularly after their poor performance and early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. The PCB responded with sweeping changes, including the dismissal of former pacer Wahab Riaz and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee. Yousaf, along with Asad Shafiq and Bilal Afzal, were among the few retained.
In addition to those changes, the PCB had also removed Wahab Riaz from his role as senior team manager, along with team manager Rana Mansoor, citing a lack of discipline during the men’s team’s last three tours.
Yousaf’s departure leaves the cricketing community watching closely as the PCB continues to reshape its selection and management strategies, all in pursuit of restoring Pakistan cricket to its former glory.
