Before the announcement of the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, significant concerns were raised regarding the selection process. According to sources, displeasure was expressed over not including all members of the selection committee in the decision-making process. It was pointed out that relying solely on the opinions of the captain, coach, and the selectors present during the tour of England was insufficient.

A key figure stated that the announcement of the team necessitates the inclusion of everyone involved in the selection committee. The complete selection process must be carried out thoroughly, and only then should the team announcement be made, which was anticipated to occur later in the evening.

Adding to the complexity, May 24 was set as the last date for the T20 World Cup squad submission according to the ICC deadline. By this time, 19 of the 20 teams participating in the tournament had already announced their squads. Pakistan remained the sole team yet to declare its squad. Board sources mentioned that had the first T20 of the series against England not been rained out, the team would have been announced on May 23.

The announcement of Pakistan  national team for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence next month in the USA and West Indies, was highly anticipated for today. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was expected to announce the 15-member national squad under the leadership of Babar Azam. However, reports emerged that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had halted the announcement.

Sources indicate that Chairman Naqvi was displeased with the selection process itself, not with the players' names. His concerns were primarily about the irregularity of meetings and the overall selection procedure. In response, Mohsin Naqvi sought an explanation from the selection committee via a formal letter.

The sources further revealed that the minutes of any meeting related to the team's selection had not been delivered to Mohsin Naqvi, prompting him to take notice and express his dissatisfaction. Consequently, the national team for the T20 World Cup would not be announced until the entire selection process was completed to his satisfaction.

The delay in the team announcement by one more day has heightened the anticipation. Now, the 15 players chosen for the mega event will be announced on Friday. PCB sources confirmed that the team management had yet to receive the final list of players. Additionally, the T20 series match against England, scheduled in Leeds, faced delays due to rain.

Had the scheduled match in Leeds been completed, the decision-making process might have been smoother. The continuous delay and uncertainty have added to the pressure on the PCB and the selection committee.

The issue of proper selection procedures and inclusivity in decision-making has come to the forefront. Ensuring that all voices within the selection committee are heard is paramount for maintaining transparency and trust in the process. The controversy surrounding the selection process has sparked discussions among cricket fans and experts alike.

The importance of regular and comprehensive meetings cannot be overstated. Each member of the selection committee brings valuable insights and perspectives, and their collective wisdom should shape the final decisions. The absence of such collaborative efforts can lead to dissatisfaction and questions regarding the fairness of the selections.

As the cricketing world watches closely, the PCB must navigate these challenges carefully. The final squad's announcement will not only determine the team's preparation for the T20 World Cup but also reflect the board's commitment to a fair and transparent selection process.

Moving forward, the PCB should establish clear protocols to ensure regular and inclusive meetings. Detailed minutes of each meeting should be recorded and shared with all relevant stakeholders, including the Chairman. This will not only prevent future delays but also build confidence in the board's operations.

In conclusion, the delay in announcing Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup has highlighted significant procedural concerns within the PCB. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial for the board's credibility and the team's success. The cricketing community awaits the final announcement with bated breath, hoping for a squad that reflects the best of Pakistani cricket and a selection process that upholds the highest standards of fairness and transparency.