Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could soon move from being one of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s most vocal critics to having a role in shaping its cricketing decisions.Akhtar is reportedly in line for a major position within the PCB as chairman Mohsin Naqvi looks to restructure the board’s cricket think tank following Pakistan’s disastrous tour of England, PTI reported. While the exact nature of the proposed role has not been formally announced, Akhtar and Naqvi have already held discussions over Pakistan cricket.A source close to the PCB said Akhtar, who resides in Islamabad, met Naqvi last week and the two spoke at length about cricket-related matters.“Few weeks back when Shoaib’s elder brother passed away Mohsin Naqvi had interacted with him closely and was there for him. This gesture impressed Shoaib a lot who has been a vocal critic of the PCB and Pakistan cricket in the past in his media appearances,” the source added.The relationship between the two has since strengthened, with Naqvi also sharing his plans with Akhtar and inviting him to visit the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and training camps.“Shoaib is in line to get a major posting but obviously when he met with the Chairman he had his own set of ideas and conditions through which he believes Pakistan cricket can be taken forward,” the source said.
PCB plans wider overhaul
Akhtar’s potential appointment comes as the PCB considers changes beyond the senior men’s team. The board is also exploring the possibility of bringing in foreign coaches and consultants following the departures of senior team fielding coach Shane McDermott and batting coach Ashley Noffke.The women’s national team is another area under review, with the PCB considering the appointment of a permanent long-term head coach.“The board is working on some plans for the future and there will be some changes in the cricket think tank soon because the Chairman has made it clear that he expects better results from the national mens, womens, shaheens and junior teams,” the source stated.The proposed restructuring follows a difficult period for Pakistan cricket, particularly after the men’s team’s Test series in England.Pakistan were beaten 3-0 in the series, suffering a first-ever clean sweep in a Test series on English soil. The result has increased scrutiny on the national side as well as the wider cricketing structure surrounding it. In the middle of the series, Pakistan sent back seven players, including Mohammed Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, as well as head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Mike Hesson was subsequently asked to fill the head coach role in the third Test.The PCB is therefore examining changes to its cricketing setup, including coaching and consultancy appointments, rather than restricting its response to the senior men’s team.
From critic to decision-maker?
Akhtar has spent years speaking publicly about Pakistan cricket, regularly questioning selection decisions, administrative choices and the direction of the national team. His outspoken views have often made him a prominent critic of the PCB.A formal role within the board would therefore mark a significant change for the former fast bowler. Instead of analysing Pakistan cricket from outside the system, Akhtar could potentially have a direct say in the decisions and plans he has frequently commented on.The precise position being considered for him, however, is yet to be formally announced.
