After a devastating defeat against Bangladesh in the Rawalpindi Test, the Pakistan cricket team finds itself under intense scrutiny. The players, led by Shan Masood, are facing criticism from all corners. Amid this turmoil, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has made a shocking revelation that has left fans and analysts bewildered. He admitted that the selection committee lacks a pool of players capable of replacing senior players. Furthermore, he disclosed that they do not possess a comprehensive database of domestic players. Surprisingly, Naqvi also mentioned that AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been utilized to identify a pool of 150 domestic players.

AI in Team Selection

Mohsin Naqvi elaborated that the selection of these 150 players heavily relies on AI, accounting for around 80% of the decision-making process. This approach marks a significant departure from traditional methods and positions Pakistan as potentially the first country in the world to employ AI technology in team selection.

Naqvi’s Bold Statements

Regarding the defeat against Bangladesh, Naqvi expressed his disappointment, stating, “The issue is that the selection committee does not have a pool of players who can step in for senior players when needed.” He emphasized that while the loss was unfortunate, the selection committee had presented 17 players to the team management. If the coach or captain decided to bench certain players, it was their decision alone. Naqvi seemed to distance the selection committee from blame, suggesting that any misstep was on the part of the coaching staff and captain Shan Masood.

The Implications of the Defeat

If Pakistan fails to secure a win in the upcoming second Test and the series slips away, it would not be surprising if the PCB takes drastic measures against the coaching staff and the captain. Given the historical tendencies of the PCB to react to poor performances, the pressure is mounting on both the players and the management.

Conclusion

As Pakistan cricket navigates through this turbulent phase, the integration of AI into their selection process could either be seen as a pioneering step towards modernization or a desperate measure born out of ineffective traditional practices. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of not only the team but also the PCB, its leadership, and its strategies moving forward.