In a surprising turn of events, Sohail Tanveer, recently appointed as Junior Chief Selector by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), finds himself at the center of controversy for actively participating in the ongoing American Premier League (APL) while holding a key role in selecting squads for upcoming tournaments.
Tanveer, who showcased an impressive all-around performance for Premium Paks in a recent APL match, is now facing questions about a potential conflict of interest.
Tanveer’s dual role, akin to the recent decision by Muhammad Hafeez to bid farewell to franchise cricket upon assuming a role in the senior team, has stirred discussions about the fine line between player commitments and selector duties.
While a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson clarified Tanveer’s prior commitment to the American league, concerns linger about whether actively participating in a cricket league as a player could compromise the impartiality required for a selector’s role.
The controversy adds fuel to the ongoing discussions surrounding the American Premier League, with questions raised not only about potential conflicts of interest but also about the league’s overall impact on Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan Cricket: Conflicts in Interests?
The controversy surrounding Sohail Tanveer’s dual role in the American Premier League (APL) has now cast a spotlight on senior chief selector Wahab Riaz, creating a fresh wave of conflict of interest concerns. Riaz is slated to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February and March, leading to comparisons with Muhammad Hafeez’s decisive step to focus solely on his role after becoming Director of the Pakistan Cricket team.
Unlike Hafeez, who promptly shifted his focus to his administrative role upon retiring from international cricket, the situation with Riaz’s impending PSL stint has ignited discussions about the consistency of policies within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Interestingly, this scenario draws parallels with the past when the PCB compelled Inzamam-ul-Haq to resign as chief selector due to a conflict of interest, following revelations of his partnership in a sports management company.
As speculations continue, the cricketing community awaits further clarity from the PCB regarding the intersection of player commitments and administrative responsibilities within the national setup.
