Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly preparing for another major overhaul of the country’s cricket setup, with senior selector Aaqib Javed and former pacer Wahab Riaz among those facing the axe.
According to a PTI report, the PCB is considering changes to the national selection committee and could remove Javed from his role as senior selector following a period of turmoil in Pakistan cricket.
The reported move comes after Pakistan’s Test team suffered a 3-0 series whitewash in England and slipped to ninth in the ICC rankings.
Aaqib Javed could be removed as senior selector
Javed was reportedly behind the controversial changes to Pakistan’s Test squad earlier this month following the team’s defeat at Lord’s.
As many as seven players and two coaches were sent back home during the England tour. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released from their duties, according to the report.
Javed has faced criticism over frequent changes to Pakistan’s coaching staff and captaincy in recent years.
An unnamed PCB source told PTI that Naqvi had now recognised the need for “radical measures” to arrest the team’s poor run.
The source said changes to the selection committee were among the measures being considered.
Wahab Riaz also faces the axe
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who currently serves as a mentor with the women’s team, could also be removed from his position.
According to the report, the PCB is likely to release Riaz from his duties after the conclusion of the Asian Games campaign in Japan later this month.
The developments come amid wider changes to Pakistan’s coaching structure.
Mike Hesson’s role in coaching shake-up
The report also said the PCB’s decision to make coaching changes during the England tour was partly influenced by white-ball coach Mike Hesson expressing interest in taking up an all-format role with the men’s team.
However, Hesson has reportedly set conditions for taking charge of the red-ball side.
He wants sufficient time to implement his plans, along with a clearly defined timeframe and assurances that his decision-making will not face interference.
Meanwhile, the PCB is reportedly in talks with several foreign coaches to take over as head coach of the women’s team after the Asian Games.
Naqvi to hold high-level meeting
The final decisions on the proposed changes have not yet been taken.
According to the PTI report, Naqvi is expected to hold a high-level meeting with his aides and consult members of the PCB governing board before announcing any changes.
The latest reported overhaul comes as Pakistan looks to arrest a difficult run of results and bring greater stability to its cricket administration and national teams.
