LAHORE: Pakistan`s national selector and Director High Performance Aaqib Javed has said that seniority will not be the sole basis for selection in the national team, and only those players who fit into the team`s strategy will be picked moving forward.

Speaking after the conclusion of the third phase of the Skills Development Camp at the National Cricket Academy on Friday, Aaqib revealed that a clear message had been conveyed to both senior and junior players.

`Even if you`re a senior player, you`ll only be selected if you fit the game plan,` he said.

`We`ve had open and honest conversations.

There were no barriers, everyone received clear feedback, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

The three-phase camp began on June 16 and concluded with a 35-over match on Friday. The first two phases focused on overall skills development and player-coach interaction, while the third was designed specifically for the Pakistan Shaheens, who are preparing for a tour of England, to be held later this year.

Aaqib said the likes of youngsters Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, and Saim Ayub are being closely monitored as the PCB looks to build a white-ball core that aligns with the modern demands of power-hitting and high strike-rates.

`Babar and Rizwan have been told that while they remain important, our T20 template is shifting,` he noted. `We`ve identified areas for improvement in their approach and have communicated expectations.

Aaqib also confirmed that the squad for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh will be announced shortly and will include several of the camp participants.

`You`ll see fresh faces,` he said. `It`s part of our long-term plan, especially as we build toward the Asia Cup and World Cup.

Following a brief break due to Ashura, the camp will resume with further training blocks before the Shaheens depart for Darwin, Australia for a T20 tournament. Preparations for the red-ball home series against South Africa later this year are also underway.

`We`ve already started working on red-ball tracks in Lahore and plan to hold extended sessions next month,` Aaqib said. `This Test Championship cycle gives us a good opportunity, and home series will be critical.

On the fitness front, he reported encouraging signs. `Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr have both resumed bowling long spells. We`ve had injuries, but our tracking system is robust, and we`re ensuring players stay in peak condition.

He added that the commitment shown by players reporting to the camp as early as 5am.

demonstrated a positive shift in attitude and discipline.

Regarding the spin department, particularly in light of Shadab Khan`s injury struggles, Aaqib said the selectors are keeping tabs on both experienced options like Mohammad Nawaz and emerging talent. `We need depth in all areas, especially spin,` he said.

While responding to comparisons with India`s approach of resting senior players for series against weaker oppositions, Aaqib said Pakistan would also look to rotate when necessary but would prioritise competitiveness.

`You may see experimentation,` he added, `but every decision is being made with an eye on the future.

Haris, who is currently featuring in the Major League Cricket T20 competition in the United States, could also feature in the T20Is against West Indies next month, he confirmed.

Aaqib noted that while the PCB is still awaiting clarity on the Asia Cup`s venue, the dual-format camp in Karachi starting July 8 will cater to preparations for both T20 and One-day International cricket.