The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in the spotlight after a bold statement from its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi. In a recent announcement, Naqvi revealed a startling new approach to team selection for the domestic Champions Cup, one that relies heavily on Artificial Intelligence (AI) rather than human judgment. This decision marks a significant shift in how the PCB manages its player selection, sparking discussions across the cricketing world.
AI Takes Over Team Selection
For the Champions Cup, the PCB decided to use AI technology to select the majority of its players. According to Naqvi, AI was responsible for selecting 80% of the 150 players, while the remaining 20% were chosen by the human selection committee. Naqvi defended this approach by emphasizing the need for transparency and objective decision-making in player selection.
“We gave about 20% weightage to our selection committee,” Naqvi said. “If we replace a player with a bad player, you will be the first to complain. We will have records and everyone will see transparently who deserves a place in the team.”
Lack of Young Talent and Data
One of the more surprising revelations from Naqvi was the admission that the PCB currently lacks sufficient young talent to replace the senior players in the national team. He also mentioned that there is a lack of detailed statistics and data on the performance of domestic players, which has made the traditional selection process challenging.
Naqvi stated, “We had many such players whose records we did not have. This cup will strengthen domestic cricket. We will have a pool of 150 players, and then whatever changes we need to make, the selection committee will handle it.”
Champions Cup as a Solution
The Champions Cup, which is set to conclude in September, is seen as an opportunity for the PCB to gather comprehensive data on domestic players. The performance records generated during the tournament will help identify players who deserve a spot in the national team. This approach aims to ensure that future selections are based on merit and performance rather than opinions or biases.
Naqvi further explained, “After the Champions Cup, everyone will have records. Whoever is not performing will be replaced immediately. This process should not depend on anyone’s personal opinion and wishes.”
Mentors to Guide Teams
In addition to AI-driven selections, the PCB has also appointed five experienced cricketers as mentors for the teams participating in the Champions Cup. The mentors include Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis. These seasoned players will provide guidance and support to the domestic cricketers, helping them improve their game and prepare for higher levels of competition.
Responding to Criticism
Naqvi also addressed the criticism the PCB has faced following the team’s recent defeat against Bangladesh. He clarified that while the selection committee had provided a list of 17 players, the final decision on who played was made by the team management, including the coach and captain.
“The defeat against Bangladesh is sad,” Naqvi acknowledged, “but the selection committee had given 17 players to the team management. If the coach or captain has kept some of these players out, then it is their decision. They may have made a mistake, but this has nothing to do with the selection committee.”
A Step Toward the Future
The PCB’s decision to integrate AI into the player selection process is both innovative and controversial. While it offers a data-driven approach that could minimize bias and improve fairness, it also raises questions about the role of human expertise in cricket. As the Champions Cup unfolds, all eyes will be on how these new methods impact team performance and player development in Pakistan cricket.
