Why Aleem Dar Stepped Down From PCB Selection Committee?

Pakistan cricket woke up to another internal shake-up. The Aleem Dar resignation reason from the national panel has sparked debate about how decisions are really made inside the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Dar, 57, had joined the revamped selection setup in October 2024. The move initially looked promising. A decorated umpire with years around the international game seemed a steady voice for the panel.

But things did not unfold that way.

Sources familiar with the discussions say Dar gradually felt pushed to the margins during key meetings. Selection calls, particularly ahead of the T20 World Cup, became a flashpoint.

The tension grew when certain squad inclusions were approved despite objections.

Dar reportedly disagreed with the selection of Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan for the tournament squad. In private conversations, he argued the panel needed to reward form rather than reputation.

His own suggestion raised eyebrows inside the room.

Dar pushed for Mohammad Rizwan to be considered for the No.6 role. He pointed the wicketkeeper batter deserved the same backing that others were receiving. That proposal never gathered serious momentum.

Selection Panel Rift Deepens

Insiders say the wider Pakistan selection committee controversy did not revolve around one decision alone. It was the overall atmosphere.

Former fast bowler Aqib Javed often sided with head coach Mike Hesson during debates, according to those aware of the meetings. Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq stayed largely quiet when discussions turned heated.

Those dynamics left Dar increasingly isolated.

The former umpire, who officiated a record 435 international matches including four World Cup finals, eventually stepped away from the role. His stint on the panel lasted less than a year.

The timing is awkward for the board.

Pakistan’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026 was really poor. The side needed to win just one match with a good margin out of their three matches in the Super 8 stage, but they failed to do so. A heavy loss to India earlier in the tournament only intensified criticism from supporters.

The fallout did not stop there. PCB officials have imposed fines of Rs 5 million on each player following the underwhelming campaign. They also made it clear that future earnings will be tied directly to performance.

The Pakistan selection committee controversy now adds another layer to the board’s growing list of problems. Leadership questions, selection debates and dressing room pressure are all swirling at once.

For Dar, the chapter closes quickly. For Pakistan cricket, the conversation is just beginning.