On February 19, Saturday, Noor-ul-Haq Malikzai, the former middle-order batter, became the chief selector of the senior squad of Afghanistan. In fact, Malikzai was filling the shoes of a chief selector on an interim basis for the past three months.
Afghanistan Cricket Board’s crucial decision on Malikzai’s appointment
Malikzai was appointed as the chief selector after his trial in the same position for the last three months. Malikzai got lifted from his interim duty and go titled as the full-time chief selector. The Afghan Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer Naseeb is impressed with Malikzai’s tenure as interim chief selector.
Malikzai’s tenure started as soon after Asadullah Khan stepped down from the role after enduring a wonderful career.
Malikzai action plan
The newly appointed full-time chief selector informed that he is not just focused on short-term goals but also eyeing long-term objectives as well. He added that they will have a tight schedule in 2022 as they will be working on not only addressing their temporary needs but also the needs of the long run.
They have an ocean of talent in the country and it is important that they are provided with proper opportunities, Malikzai concluded.
CEO Naseeb Khan’s statement on Malikzai
Naseeb Khan, the chief executive officer of the Afghan Cricket Board, mentioned that he has complete faith in him to lead the selection panel. He was extraordinary during his last 3 month’s stint.
He added that Malikzai has had quite an impressive tenure as the interim chief selector. He has shown great enthusiasm during the selection of the teams for the U19 Asia Cup and U19 World Cup as well as for their recent squad drafting for the Bangladesh and Netherlands series. He also added that he would like to offer him his best wishes for the future.
The early career of the newly appointed Chief Selector of Afghanistan
Noor-ul-Haq Malikzai has been a part of Afghanistan’s two One Day Internationals in 2010. He has featured in two editions of the ICC U19 World Cup in 2010 and 2012 respectively. He has 18 First-Class, 13 List-A, and 8 T20 games under his name.
Although he is just 29, he retired from playing the game three years back in 2019. He secured the limelight after an excellent performance in the U19 World Cup qualifiers where he averaged 54 in 7 games.
Malikzai has been aspiring to find out the correct talent that is fit for the team and nurture them with an extended source of opportunities. He has assured that the long term goals will help in taking the country forward in terms of performance.
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