Urdu Report Desk
The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly offered former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar the role of chief selector as the board considers further changes to Pakistan’s national team setup.
Meeting with PCB Chairman
According to reports, Shoaib Akhtar met PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on September 26, with the initial discussion focused on the chief selector position.
The talks reportedly went beyond the selection role after Akhtar expressed interest in taking on broader responsibilities within Pakistan cricket.
Wider Changes in the National Team
The reported development comes amid wider changes to the national team structure following Pakistan’s disappointing Test series against England.
During the England tour, the PCB released seven players from the squad after the Lord’s Test and brought in an equal number of replacements.
Changes were also made to the coaching staff. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were removed from their red-ball roles, while Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke were brought in for the remainder of the series.
Noffke later resigned as Pakistan’s bowling coach.
Focus on Selection Transparency
Following Pakistan’s heavy defeat, Mohsin Naqvi directed the selection committee to place greater emphasis on younger players and improve transparency in the selection process.
He also stressed that players who repeatedly failed to meet expectations should not continue receiving opportunities.
Scrutiny of Selection Committee
Pakistan’s selection setup has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks. Misbah-ul-Haq decided to step down from the selection committee earlier this month and informed the PCB that he would leave after completing his notice period.
Misbah also decided to give up his role as batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy.
Meanwhile, Aaqib Javed has faced criticism over team selection and performances. Reports had linked the PCB Director of High Performance, who is also part of the national selection committee, with a possible departure. However, he rejected reports of his resignation and said he had no plans to step down.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Views on Pakistan Cricket
Shoaib Akhtar has also spoken openly about the state of Pakistan cricket in recent weeks. Following the England series, he criticized the team’s leadership and decision-making and called for stronger decisions from the captain and management.
The former fast bowler has previously advocated major structural changes in Pakistan cricket and has argued that meaningful reforms require officials to be given greater authority.
