Pakistan appoints its biggest selection team

LAHORE, Apr 25 (AFP): Pakistan cricket chiefs Friday appointed a six-member selection committee-the biggest in its history - to choose the team to start a hectic season leading up to next year's World Cup.

Former captain Moin Khan will head the committee, two members larger than usual, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced.

"Former Test players Saleem Yousuf, Shoaib Mohammad, Ijaz Ahmed, Wajahatullah Wasti and Mohammad Akram will be members of the committee," said a PCB release.

Akram's appointment in the selection committee means his two-year tenure as the team's bowling coach has ended after only two months.

That suggests Waqar Younis's likely appointment as head coach, as the legendary paceman could fill in bowling coaching duties himself.

Pakistan last week advertised the posts of head coach, fielding, batting and spin bowling coaches. A three-man committee will scrutinise applications after the May 5 deadline.

Akram has also been appointed head coach of the PCB's national cricket academy in Lahore.

Pakistan have not had a chief selector since Iqbal Qasim stepped down after completing his tenure in July last year.