According to reports, former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has stepped down as a selector and head of youth development at the Pakistan Cricket Board, ending a 12-month stint in the position.
Reports suggest Azhar’s resignation followed growing differences with the PCB over the direction of youth cricket. The situation escalated after Sarfaraz Ahmed was reportedly appointed to oversee Pakistan Shaheens and the Under-19 setup – a role that significantly overlapped with Azhar’s own responsibilities.
It is understood that Azhar felt the move left his position untenable, prompting him to submit his resignation earlier this week. The PCB has reportedly accepted his decision, though no official public announcement has been made by either party.
Azhar, who joined the selection panel in October 2024 before taking charge of youth development a month later, had been responsible for shaping Pakistan’s grassroots and pathways programmes. His exit comes less than 14 months before Pakistan’s next major youth assignment – the 2026 Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
