Azhar Ali Resigns as PCB's Selector and Head of Youth Development

Azhar Ali is the PCB selector and head of youth development, who has officially resigned, and his tenure in the position spans 12 months. Azhar and the board did not announce the exit, but it has been confirmed.

It is believed that Azhar resigned after protracted differences with PCB. The situation escalated the tension when Sarfaraz Ahmed was chosen as the head of the Pakistan Shaheens and Under-19 team.

The PCB did not officially announce the appointment of Sarfaraz; however, his appointment overlapped with the duties of Azhar. Azhar chose to resign earlier this week after claiming that the appointment compromised his position, which was accepted by the PCB.

Azhar Ali is a former captain of Pakistan in Tests and ODIs. He was also appointed as the head of youth development a month later, and the PCB publicized the appointment.

In his position as chief of youth development, Azhar was tasked with shaping the future of Pakistan cricket by implementing youth policies, enhancing the grassroots programs, and collaborating with the regional associations to strengthen age-group programs.

He has also hosted seminars and clinics to facilitate off-field development as part of the Pathways Programme to emerging cricketers under the PCB.

The next significant youth event is the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, which Zimbabwe and Namibia will host from January 15 to February 16.

Pakistan will be placed in a group with Zimbabwe, Scotland, and England in the tournament. The team has previously won the Under-19 World Cup in 2004 and 2006.