Pakistan Cricket Board Will Embrace This Innovative Approach for Player Selection amid Declining Performance

In response to the declining performance of Pakistan's cricket team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has adopted an innovative approach to talent identification. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi announced that the selection of players from the domestic circuit will largely utilize artificial intelligence (AI). This makes PCB the first cricket board to publicly incorporate AI in its player selection process.

During a recent press conference, Naqvi addressed the men's national team's lackluster performances, particularly following their recent defeat against Bangladesh at home. He had earlier emphasized the need for significant changes after Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, but noted that little progress had been made since then.

No pool to turn to for player selection

"The selection committee has no pool to turn to for player selection," Naqvi stated. "I mentioned the need for surgery because we must address our issues. However, we currently lack solid data and a player pool to draw from. The entire system was disorganized. The upcoming Champions Cup will help identify great talent and establish records for the games played. To perform surgery, you need the right tools."

Champions Cup would create a pool of 150 players

Naqvi highlighted that many players lacked adequate records, and the Champions Cup would strengthen domestic cricket, creating a pool of 150 players for the selection committee to consider. He acknowledged public calls for immediate changes, stating, "You can't remove a player unless you have a better one to replace them."

He further revealed that AI will play a significant role in the selection process, with 80% of the 150 players chosen through AI analysis, while human input will account for the remaining 20%.

"These 150 players will be selected with 80% driven by AI, and only 20% by human judgment. This process is transparent, and we will have records that clearly indicate who deserves a spot on the team," Naqvi explained.

The Champions Cup is set to conclude in September, after which performance records will be available for review. Naqvi emphasized that any under-performing players will be promptly replaced, ensuring that selections are based on data rather than personal opinions.