March 20, 2003	Thursday	Muharram 16, 1424

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LAHORE,  March 19: In a surprise move, former Test captain Aamir Sohail, has been appointed as chairman of the national selection committee.

Aamir replaces Wasim Bari, who held the post since early 2000, and submitted his resignation citing professional and domestic commitments, a PCB spokesman said on Wednesday.

However, the appointment of Aamir as chief selector raises quite a few eyebrows since he had an attitude problem in his playing days.

In 1998, Aamir was Pakistan captain but he did not turn up against Zimbabwe in a Test at Lahore and never bothered to inform the team management of his action.

At least, PCB should have gone for someone else who could be a role model for others as far as the discipline is concerned. A well-disciplined chairman as well as members of the selection committee are must now because the board is passing through a critical phase.

According to a PCB spokesman, the first task before the new selection committee is the 15-man squad for the Sharjah Cup. It is scheduled to be announced on Thursday. The committee will hold its first meeting only two hours before announcing the squad.

Meanwhile, Wasim Bari in his  letter to the chairman of the PCB, Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, said: “The work load of my job has now become so heavy that I find it virtually impossible to devote the kind of time that the chairman of the selection committee should be devoting.

“The time has now come that PCB to appoint a full time and, if necessary, a paid chairman of the selection committee.

“Please appreciate that I say this in the best interest of Pakistan cricket which is now in the need of complete rebuilding.

“I would like to put on record my deepest appreciation for all the support you have given and the affection you have shown to me. Needless to say should you even need any input from me, it always be there. I wish you all the very best of luck in your efforts to build the team.”

The PCB chairman lauded the efforts of Bari.

“I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his meritorious services. He has been an excellent ambassador for Pakistan and his services will be long remembered. I understand that the results of the team don’t reflect the commitment Bari has shown, but PCB lauds and acknowledges his services to Pakistan cricket,” Tauqir said in a statement.