LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, under its new chief Najam Sethi, appointed on Saturday former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi as the interim head of the men’s national selection committee for the home series against New Zealand.

Other members of the panel are former cricketers Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum, while Haroon Rashid (member of the Management Committee) will be the convener.

Najam Sethi, the PCB head for the next 120 days by order of the prime minister, said that he was confident that the selection committee would make brave and bold decisions that would produce a competitive side to take on New Zealand.

Pakistan recently suffered its first whitewash in a Test series at home after losing 3-0 to visitors England. They are now hosting New Zealand for a two Tests and three ODI matches.

In his remarks, Sethi said that Afridi was an attacking cricketer who played cricket without any fear.

“He has nearly 20 years of cricket experience, has featured in all formats with significant success and more importantly, has always backed and supported young talent. In our collective opinion, there is no better person than him to understand the rigours, demands and challenges of the modern day game,” siad Sethi.

“I remain confident that through his insight and knowledge of the game, he will help Pakistan select the best and most deserving players, and contribute in the side’s success in the upcoming series,” Sethi added.

Shahid Afridi said that he would do his utmost to fulfil the responsibility. “We need to get back to our winning ways and I have no doubts that through meritocratic and strategic selection decisions, we will help the national side to perform strongly in the series against New Zealand and reclaim the confidence of our fans.”

He said he would call a meeting of the selectors soon to share his plans for the upcoming matches.

Shahid Afridi played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 T20I from 1996 to 2018 in which he scored a total of 11,196 runs and took 541 wickets. He also captained the national side in 83 international matches. He was the star when the Pakistan side that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 at Lord’s.

Abdul Razzaq, in a 17-year career from 1996 to 2013, played 343 international matches and scored 7,419 runs and took 389 wickets. He was also a member of the side that won the 2009 side that lifted the T20 World Cup at Lord’s.

Rao Iftikhar played a Test, 62 ODIs and two T20Is from 2004 to 2010.