Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has resigned from his roles within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), sources reported on Tuesday. Azhar stepped down as a member of the Men’s National Selection Committee and also relinquished his position as the PCB’s Head of Youth Development, a post he had been appointed to on November 22, 2024, following a formal recruitment process.
The PCB has not yet released an official statement regarding his resignation, leaving the cricketing fraternity awaiting clarification on the reasons behind his decision. Azhar’s tenure had involved guiding the development of young talent and contributing to the selection of national players, responsibilities considered pivotal in shaping Pakistan’s cricketing future.
His resignation comes shortly after Pakistan’s national side concluded a dominant performance against Sri Lanka, achieving a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series, following their earlier T20I series win. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the team’s growing consistency and unity, noting that the back-to-back series victories highlight a squad finding its rhythm and performing with cohesion.
In a message on X, Naqvi congratulated the players, coaches, and support staff for their efforts, emphasizing that the team’s success reflects diligent work behind the scenes. “Well done boys! Congratulations to all the players on a brilliant clean sweep in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, after winning the T20I series as well,” he wrote.
Naqvi urged fans to trust and believe in the squad, noting that the players are giving their all for the country. Pakistan’s commanding performance in the final ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium mirrored the authority and control displayed throughout the series, further strengthening the team’s reputation on the international stage.
Azhar Ali’s resignation leaves two key positions within the PCB vacant and raises questions about the future of youth development and national team selection strategies, with cricket enthusiasts and analysts now awaiting the board’s next steps.
