Pakistan chief selector frustrated by unending stream of controversies

E-Paper | May 03, 2026

Pakistan chief selector Haroon Rasheed has expressed frustration over the never-ending stream of controversies that the country’s cricket team seems to attract after leg-spinner Yasir Shah was suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for failing a dope test.

Shah was at the center of the latest setback after a sample taken from him during the Pakistan-England ODI series was found to contain chlortalidone, which is on WADA's prohibited list of diuretics and masking agents. He was provisionally suspended by the ICC on Sunday after his sample.

“Shah has been charged with an anti-doping rule violation on a sample he provided in an in-competition test,” an ICC statement announced.

Haroon said the suspension of Pakistan’s go-to Test leg-spinner was a huge blow for the national side ahead of the upcoming New Zealand tour.

"You wake up every day and are faced with a new problem in Pakistan cricket," Rasheed told Press Trust of India (PTI) on Sunday.

“We now have to revise all our plans for the coming events,” he added.

Shah's suspension comes just days after a rebellion within the Pakistan team over the inclusion of Mohammad Amir in a training camp for the New Zealand tour.

Former T20 captain Mohammad Hafeez and current one-day captain Azhar Ali had boycotted the camp on Thursday, refusing to train alongside the spot-fixing tainted player.

The issue is now said to be under control as the Pakistan Cricket Board chief Shaharyar Khan said: “The matter has been resolved.”

“Both listened to me and agreed to join the camp unconditionally and will have to support Amir when he returns to the team,” Khan told reporters on Saturday.

The Pakistan team kicks off the New Zealand tour with a T20 at Auckland on January 15.

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Sport

ICC suspends Yasir Shah after positive dope test

Reservations exist over Amir as PCB chief ‘sorts out’ matter

Azhar, Hafeez will have to support Amir 'unconditionally': PCB chairman

AXH

Dec 27, 2015 09:44pm

Why doesn't PCB conduct its own blood tests periodically to ensure that those idiots who are taking banned substances are identified and kicked out of the team before ICC takes a doping test.

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CALCUTTA MAN

Dec 27, 2015 09:46pm

My sympathies...

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M.Saeed

Dec 27, 2015 09:57pm

Scrap all the old players (above 30) and start with a new team selected out of the U-19 up. Headstrong and self asserting players mean they are spoiled by the influx of big-money.

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Salma Shahid

Dec 27, 2015 10:03pm

@M.Saeed, I would rather scrap the PCB and revise and reconstruct the cricket administration in Pakistan.

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SohailAnwar

Dec 27, 2015 10:04pm

Its PCB own doing, why are they frustrated? If everyone do their job with responsibilities, we wouldn't be seeing these issues after issues. Players are also responsible for these debacles too. Sorry state of affairs.

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bilal

Dec 27, 2015 10:04pm

@M.Saeed Dude you can't just scrap all the old players just like that...the team needs a good mixture of experience and youth !!!...who will the younger players learn from if you scrap all the old players?? !!...I wonder if people actually know anything about cricket before they start commenting !!!!

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Naxalite

Dec 27, 2015 10:07pm

Lack of Leadership breeds such controversies, Sir!

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Nasrullah Khan -USA

Dec 27, 2015 10:08pm

Can someone tell PCB that there is a thing called "Risk Management". The simple formula is fair process and if the fair process is present then it is very easy to manage. Stick to merit process for few months and if it does not show it's efficacy then scrap it and move on to ad-hoc way of dealing with crisis.

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M Waj

Dec 27, 2015 10:12pm

This is much more frustrating for the fans around the world who have to deal with the incompetences of the people managing cricket in Pakistan.

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syed wasim haider

Dec 27, 2015 10:27pm

PCB is in wrong hands. Let us bring a new management based on merits then the things will go straight.

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shah

Dec 27, 2015 10:55pm

It's an unprofessional team

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Javed

Dec 27, 2015 10:56pm

Haroon Rashid has already found an excuse for the failures if any in New Zealand.

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Saeed Masood

Dec 27, 2015 11:03pm

Mr. Haroon Rasheed 180 million fans of Pakistan are frustrated on the standard of you performance...the medical office who gave this drug to Yasir Shah should be put on books...

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Saeed Masood

Dec 27, 2015 11:07pm

This seems to be as if some one is working against Pakistan Cricket...please find in detail..this is a tragedy...a catastrophe...the media should not spare the PCB...

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Yankee Cricket Fan

Dec 27, 2015 11:27pm

@Saeed Masood Agreed, but those who are working against Pakistan are Pakistanis, both the players and the administration itself. They are all incompetent.

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kirther

Dec 27, 2015 11:42pm

First of all strict discipline must be restored at the highest level in BCCP, it is very evident that this aspect of professionalism is lacking, appointments are made on random basis lacking qualification. Secondly all professional cricketers who are signed-up by BCCP to represent the country must be given proper well rounded training as they lack schooling. Thirdly, there should not be any compromise on disciplinary matters their contract must be terminated immediately,why the Chairman had to kiss the feet of Hafeez and the other guy on selection of Amir, they should have been suspended,pending their apology.

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Sufee Achee-bachi

Dec 27, 2015 11:49pm

This is pure and simple case of mismanagement. I am tired and angry to read these controversial news about Pakistan Cricket time and again. This whole organization is run by corrupt and incompetent folks. Pak Fans, wait and see soon there will be more painful news are coming.

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Omar

Dec 28, 2015 12:21am

I put the blame squarely on PCB.These old timers are clueless as to it takes to run a competent organization.They are just there for the perks and fat salaries ONLY! Most of our players come form impoverished semi literate backgrounds. Unfortunately , not only can we not coach them properly- we cannot even mentor or guide them about stuff which them out of trouble. Shame on PCB.

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Dec 28, 2015 12:22am

Does this mean that now Hafeez and Azhar will not play with Yasir also and all the anti Amir commenters here will be against his inclusion in the team as well or will everyone should let PCB take action based on its policy i.e. Rules and regulations?

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Ailly

Dec 28, 2015 12:26am

no need to mix two issues together.

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jamal

Dec 28, 2015 12:38am

it is reflective of the society. you cannot expect cricket team to be purebred as it is not a separate entity. There is controversy, chaos and lawlessness and cricket body is naturally going to have them. the administrators did not help themselves by selecting tainted player. now they expect everything to be alright?

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Canada

Dec 28, 2015 12:44am

This is sad but has to be said. PCB, management and players, is just a reflexion of decaying PK society. Unethical, immoral and easily corruptible.

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Dec 28, 2015 12:44am

Poor guy. Must be really heartbreaking for him.

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Fiqa

Dec 28, 2015 12:46am

The same here among masses. Whenever we start feeling that finally the team has found it's balance, we lose a player due to unprofessional attitude of him. When are we going to understand that this is a changed world where whatever wrong you do will quickly come under a spotlight specially if you are a Pakistani. Brush up your act men!

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Salim Khan

Dec 28, 2015 12:52am

This cricket team needs a role model and we don't have one. We need people like Imran Khan or Javaid Mindad to rescue this team.

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Mani

Dec 28, 2015 01:05am

If PCB pays attention to its cricketing affairs at home and stop obsessing over playing with India or PSL a lot can be improved. Heads should roll.

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Syed Amir Ahmed

Dec 28, 2015 01:05am

I agreed with Mr. Haroon Rasheed that everyday he has to deal with new issues and revive his plan for Pakistan's Cricket future. However I want to remind Mr. Rasheed that so far no concrete action has been taken by the board against those who had betrayed the nation and prime example is tainted Amir is coming back to the national team where as he should be a part of national team. He can play domestic cricket after paying the price for his conduct but not on national team and now recent issue with Yasir Shah who failed in drug test. PCB should come up with the policy for those who betray the nation by any means should not be able to make their way to the national side. Unfortunately the whole country is being run on favoritism and if someone will raise the voice will no longer be a part of the process or country. There is an old saying that management is responsible for nurturing their employees by creating a culture to empower them.

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Bilal

Dec 28, 2015 01:18am

The state of Pakistan cricket is a reflection of the state of Pakistan!

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Naveed,USA

Dec 28, 2015 01:46am

If PCB is not capable of solving matters then they should resign Volunteerly. Mr.Shaharyar is too old to handle to situations.He shouldn't have talked to Hafeez and Azhar,they are not that great players-just mediocre and inconsistent.New young players can perform better than them. Amir is a gem player,he deserves a 2nd chance immediately, we need him badly.PCB shouldn't waste his time further,Amir needs a moral support to revive his international career.A sincere to Amir and Pakistan cricket is who could help him.

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Naveed,USA

Dec 28, 2015 01:47am

Try to get Yasir''s ban reduced from the ICC.

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MIRZA

Dec 28, 2015 01:48am

Because you do no not enforce DISCIPLINE on these youths.

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John

Dec 28, 2015 02:39am

The current state of Pakistan team reflects the state of Pakistan. The PCB who thinks it is in power is powerless, There are many leaders in the team and they lead their own groups. Nobody is in-charge but nobody is a subordinate - right to equal treatment even them the person may be a convict.

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atif khan

Dec 28, 2015 02:40am

competency is a rare commodity these days, PCB doctors are may be are hired on parchi system.. as they did they security head

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Pakistani

Dec 28, 2015 03:19am

Why is there no education, get rid off hafeez and azhar - they are just not quality players. Both can only perform in the sub continent. Let's go with th young players who want to play and perform.

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tariq

Dec 28, 2015 04:01am

it is not only pakistan. Recently one sri lankan player was banned too for the same reason. it happens. mostly our players are uneducated and from far flung areas. They think that they can get away with these tactics.

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Intesar

Dec 28, 2015 05:13am

Before you all jump to conclusions, has anyone checked how Yasir got chlortalidone in his system? It is a common ingredient in medicines that control high blood pressure. Its not something that you can just go out and buy to enhance your physical performance.

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Dec 28, 2015 05:21am

Get rid of both Hafiz n Azar. They are not team players. We can live without them. We can't afford primal donnas.

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Dec 28, 2015 05:21am

Get rid of both Hafiz n Azar. They are not team players. We can live without them. We can't afford primal donnas.

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kam

Dec 28, 2015 05:52am

@AXH. Because PCB is a politicised and incompetent organisation. Like I have often stated the depoliticization of all the country's institutions is the only way to fix this country. Period.

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Amin

Dec 28, 2015 06:28am

Its you PCB failing as an organization to look after these players who might have no idea what is it like behind the scene on international level. I dont think Haroon might have ever spoken to Yasir shah for more than 10 seconds. Its PCB not players

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Ahmer

Dec 28, 2015 06:40am

Things will keep going from bad to worse till Shahryar and Sethi are removed.

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Naveed,USA

Dec 28, 2015 06:57am

Hafeez and Azhar's action has proved how weak PCB management is,how come they can go against PCB or how can they have their own way. I would suggest Mr.Shaharyar to take a stern action against both of them. Amir is a gem player and definitely deserves a 2nd chance. Why Cheif Selector is frustrated,there is no controversy in at least Amir's case,just give a SHUT UP call to those who are creating any mess,they have self motives behind all this charade.They can be alright in a jiffy if PCB management is capable.

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Naveed,USA

Dec 28, 2015 07:02am

@Sufee Achee-bachi you are right and because of their incompetency Hafeez and Azhar boycotted. Amir has to come back to Team Pakistan.What is past is past ,let's move on as other countries do.Who does not commit mistakes in life?

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Naveed,USA

Dec 28, 2015 07:12am

Haroon Rashid Sahib go home if you are frustrated. Don't call Amir's case a controversy,only PCB IS RESPONSIBLE as incompetent people are running it.Why they are kneeling down before the players power? who are Hafeez and Azhar to stop Amir to come back to Team Pakistan? Show them door to go as they are not indispensable for Pakistan but Amir is. Ask Hafeez and Azhar to pay attention to their performance against quality bowlers otherwise...................

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Aamir

Dec 28, 2015 07:13am

This is your job man! Dont expect everything to be nice and clear on its own

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vijay,salem

Dec 28, 2015 07:59am

It is high time that Drug tests are mandatory for all the matches at International level.So much money is involved in this sport now and cricket is no longer a gentleman's game.All the players must be scrutinised before every match.

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sampson

Dec 28, 2015 08:17am

look at your team, what more would you expect? seriously, sit by and waatch crime after crime be committed and do nothing. why don't go into banking or investing if that's your thing, cuz apparently you can't do your jobs.

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sampson

Dec 28, 2015 08:20am

@vijay,salem it not only doers, talk to you boss who's making money from it.

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Ibrahim

Dec 28, 2015 08:31am

@Salim Khan forget about Imran and Javed. You have to move forward with what has been given and is available.

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Hamid shafiq

Dec 28, 2015 09:18am

when in competent person head of PCB whose previous experience only in foreign office not in sports or cricket how you can imagine he perform good?

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Usman

Dec 28, 2015 06:17pm

If you would adopt some best practices and start taking some prevention measures.....then, maybe, you wouldn't have to "wake up every day to a new problem." These problems exist because of incompetent, salary-loving people like you....sitting at the helm of Pakistan Cricket.

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LOUDSPEAKER

Dec 28, 2015 06:18pm

What is the problem with Pakistani bowlers, either their bowling action is controversial or they failed to clear doping test. As a result our team is without the services of Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez (as bowler), Hassan Raza, and now Yasir Shah. PCB should take this matter seriously and forget running after Indian Cricket Authorities to resume bilateral series. It's time they should realise PAKISTAN CRICKET IS AT STAKE.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Dec 28, 2015 10:44pm

Poor chap. For sure, he is doing one of the most unthankful jobs in the world.

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Fakruddin

Dec 29, 2015 09:24am

@M.Saeed Scrap for a decade and then see if all bad water has gone, then we should think of establishing a relatively good governing body. This will never happen has we are so corrupt and terror mongers where we do not like to be happy or others.

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Fakruddin

Dec 29, 2015 09:32am

@Salim Khan I would say Imran Khan, but not Mia Saab as he was and is being supported by the underworld.

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parveez

Dec 30, 2015 03:26am

Mr Harron Rashid its people like you in the PCB who have ruined cricket.PCB is full of Incompetent people. Why can't these cricketers be looked after and guided by having right people in the PCB. PCB has done more damage to pakistan cricket then the players

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