As Pakistani men and women cricket teams continue to disappoint at international level, their cricket board is reportedly preparing for significant changes across its setup, with chairman Mohsin Naqvi expected to make a series of decisions in the coming days.
Among the moves being considered by the Pakistan Cricket Board as part of the revamp of the national selection committee, former fast bowler Aaqib Javed may be removed from his role as senior selector. Wahab Riaz, another former Test player who has served as a mentor to the national women’s team since last year, is also expected to leave along with the coaching staff following the Asian Games in Japan.
Even Mohsin Naqvi has now realised that some radical measures are required to end the losing streak and abrupt happenings in Pakistan cricket. So these changes are now on the cards,” an internal source was quoted as saying.
Aaqib has played a central role in several key PCB decisions over the past two years. His involvement included the major overhaul of Pakistan’s team and coaching staff during the England tour following the second Test, a move that attracted considerable controversy. The former Test bowler has subsequently come under widespread criticism amid a period of instability in Pakistan cricket, marked by repeated changes in leadership and coaching personnel.
The PCB is also weighing its options after white-ball head coach Mike Hesson indicated that he would be prepared to assume responsibility for the Test side. However, Hesson has stressed that rebuilding Pakistan’s red-ball setup would require sufficient time.
According to the source, Hesson would only agree to take over the Test team if he received a defined period to implement his plans and a guarantee that his decision-making would remain free from interference.
Meanwhile, the PCB is in talks with several overseas coaches regarding the women’s team head coach position after the Asian Games.
