“Selection is something which is very important and it requires a well-respected individual”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Afghanistan batsman Nawroz Mangal has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect in order to become the country’s national chief selector.

Mangal also captained Afghanistan between 2007 and 2010 and played a significant role in helping his side gain ODI status in the 2009 World Cup Qualifiers. He also guided them to their first-ever World Twenty20 in 2010.

All in all, the 32-year-old represented Afghanistan in 49 ODIs and scored 1,139 runs, which included two centuries and four fifties, at an average of 27.11. He also featured in 30 Twenty20 Internationals and amassed 454 runs, which included two half-centuries, at an average of 16.81.

Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive officer Shafiqullah Stanikzai lauded Mangal on his illustrious career, in which he became one of just five Afghanistan players to score 1,000 runs in ODI cricket.

“He [Mangal] is a senior and legendary cricketer in Afghanistan cricket,” Stanikzai told ESPNcricinfo. “Selection is something which is very important and it requires a well-respected individual. Since cricket is very huge in the country and every Afghan is believed to be a stakeholder in cricket we needed a figure of his stature.

“So for the last six months we were in discussion with Nawroz to step down from his position as a player and accept the role as a chief selector. He, after consulting with friends, family and all stakeholders, has accepted the contract-based job, which is likely to run for two years. It’s an honour for Afghanistan cricket that a player like Nawroz, who has a big fan following and respect among others, is the chief selector.”

Mangal’s first assignment as chief selector will be to pick the squad for the Desert T20 Tournament that will be held in the United Arab Emirates from January 14 to 20. Apart from Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Oman and Scotland will also compete in the competition.