Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has reportedly emerged as a potential choice for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief selector role.
Akhtar reportedly met PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on September 26. The discussion initially focused on the possibility of Akhtar taking charge of the selection committee.
However, the reported talks apparently expanded after the former pacer showed interest in a broader role within Pakistan cricket. The development comes as the PCB continues reshaping the national team setup.
Shoaib Akhtar Reportedly Discusses PCB Role
The reported meeting comes after Pakistan’s disappointing Test series in England. Following the tour, the PCB made several changes involving both the playing squad and team management.
During the series, the board released seven players from the squad after the Lord’s Test. It then brought in seven replacements as Pakistan adjusted its squad during the tour.
The coaching setup also changed during the series. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were removed from their red-ball positions, while Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke joined the team.
Noffke, however, has since resigned from his position as Pakistan’s bowling coach.
PCB Pushes for Changes in Selection Process
Following Pakistan’s heavy defeat, Naqvi instructed the selection committee to give greater importance to younger players. He also called for greater transparency in the selection process.
At the same time, he indicated that players who had repeatedly failed to perform should not continue receiving opportunities.
These instructions have placed the selection setup under increased scrutiny. Consequently, recent developments have added further attention to potential changes within Pakistan cricket.
Misbah-ul-Haq Steps Away From Selection Committee
The selection committee has already seen a significant change this month. Misbah-ul-Haq decided to step down from the committee and informed the PCB that he would leave after completing his notice period.
Misbah also decided to relinquish his position as batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy. His departure adds another change to the setup following the England Test series.
Meanwhile, Aaqib Javed has faced criticism over Pakistan’s selection decisions and team performances. The PCB Director of High Performance is also a member of the national selection committee.
Reports had linked Aaqib with a possible departure from his position. However, he rejected reports of his resignation and said he had no plans to step down.
Shoaib Akhtar Has Called for Major Changes
Akhtar has remained outspoken about Pakistan cricket’s current situation in recent weeks. Following the England series, he criticised the team’s leadership and decision-making.
The former speedster also called for stronger decisions from both the captain and team management. His comments have coincided with growing scrutiny of Pakistan’s recent performances and selection decisions.
Akhtar has previously advocated major structural changes within Pakistan cricket. Moreover, he has suggested that meaningful reforms would require greater authority.
Against this backdrop, his reported discussions with the PCB have drawn attention. However, the reported meeting initially centred on the chief selector position before discussions apparently expanded toward a broader role.
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