Former Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali has resigned from the national selection committee and from his position as head of youth development at the National Cricket Academy. His decision comes shortly after the PCB handed full control of the Pakistan Shaheens and under-19 teams to Sarfaraz Ahmed.
A source close to Azhar confirmed that he sent his resignation earlier this week, and the board accepted it without delay.
Growing Frustration Behind the Exit
Azhar began his tenure last year with high expectations. However, he soon grew frustrated with the way the board functioned. According to the source, the “red-tape style of working” bothered him, and several of his proposals for grooming young cricketers were not approved or moved forward.
The Final Trigger: Sarfaraz’s Appointment
The situation worsened when the PCB abruptly handed over all youth-cricket responsibilities to Sarfaraz Ahmed. The decision included the Shaheens and the under-19 setup and was made without consulting Azhar.
This shift meant that a major portion of Azhar’s role as head of youth development was taken away. Feeling sidelined, he chose to resign.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Expanded Authority
Sarfaraz, who had already been working with the PCB as a mentor and advisor, has now been given complete control of both teams. His responsibilities include monitoring coaches, handling selection matters, running training camps, and traveling with the squads when needed.
PCB’s Pattern of Unsettled Tenures
Azhar’s resignation continues a trend. In recent years, several former players and foreign coaches have left before completing their contracts—either stepping away or being removed. Recently, the PCB also declined to renew Muhammad Wasim’s contract as head coach of the women’s team following their last-place finish at the World Cup.
Catch every update on Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on The Cricket Scores!
