The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) secretary Waqar Ahmad formally announced the decision of Shafiq's appointment on Thursday afternoon although many quarters had been speculating about the changefor many days. Shafiq had also served as a national selector in 1993. Shafiq Ahmad ``Papa'' played regular cricket for 26 years from 1967 to 1993. He represented Pakistan in six Tests and three one-day international matches. Shafiq had also played three unofficialTests and as many unofficial one-day international matches against Sri Lanka before the Island side attained Test status. He has the honour of scoring the highest number offirst-class centuries (73) by any Pakistani in the country.

After retirement from active cricket, Shafiq Ahmad ``Papa'' has been associated with The Management of the game in various capacities. He has been a manger of the United bank (UBL) side. Shafiq visited Bangladesh twice as an official ofthe Pakistan ``A'' cricket team and the Pakistan under-19 team. He is frequently seen on thecricket grounds of Lahore watching first-class matches. He had also been associated with the selection of the LCCA cricket teams.