 "The former Pakistan selector reportedly did not want to include Babar Azam in the T20 World Cup squad. Images: AP")
A renowned cricketing personality of Pakistan who was part of the national selection committee has tendered his resignation rather than working as “a puppet” due to overreach by captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson that led to a disastrous campaign for the Men in Green in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan were eliminated from the T20 World Cup after their worst-ever Super 8 performance, accumulating just three points. Pakistan’s match against New Zealand was washed out and they failed to beat England. Their only win came against Sri Lanka, but that proved too little too late.
Pakistan cricket selector refuses to work as ‘puppet’
The only positive sign for Pakistan was making 212 in the final T20I after they dropped Babar Azam from the playing XI. Former captain Babar scored just 91 runs in four innings in the T20 World Cup, with a strike rate of 112.
Following Pakistan’s embarrassing performance in the T20 World Cup, former cricketer and ICC Elite Panel umpire Aleem Dar resigned from the national selection committee due to “extraordinary interference in selection matters” by coach Hesson, including promoting Babar despite poor form and a lack of control by Aaqib Javed, who is the de facto head of the panel, reported Geo News.
Also Read | Amir, Afridi come down heavily on PCB over decision to fine players for poor T20 World Cup show
Aleem Dar has reportedly complained that while the selectors had recommended the best 20 players for the T20 World Cup 2026, the coach and captain Agha picked the “wrong” 15 players, and implemented “incorrect” selections in the playing XI.
It has also been learnt that Aleem Dar was against picking Babar Azam and Shadab Khan in the Pakistan squad due to poor form, but Hesson had the final say on all matters. Aleem Dar reportedly also felt that Salman Agha did not deserve to be the captain.
Quick Reads
View AllAlso Read | Mohsin Naqvi reportedly set to make major overhauls after Pakistan’s T20 World Cup exit
Another aspect where Aleem Dar was ignored by the coach and captain was his advocacy to play Mohammad Rizwan instead of wicket-keeper Usman Khan. He wanted Rizwan to be the No 6 batter, and felt that he deserved a place in the Pakistan squad if they could accommodate Babar and Shadab.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been so rattled by the humiliating T20 World Cup performance that it has reportedly decided to fine each player Rs 50 lakh as punishment.