Shoaib Akhtar dismisses Pakistan chief selector’s reports, cites mother’s advice
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has dismissed reports linking him with the role of chief selector of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, saying he is not interested in taking up any position in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Popularly known as Rawalpindi Express, Akhtar addressed the news during a live program on PTV Sports. The host reminded Shoaib of his earlier remarks that his mother had advised him to stay away from PCB and Pakistani politics.
Akhtar said there was no truth to the reports and that he intended to follow his mother’s advice. He also denied reports that he had met PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi over a potential role on the board.
“There is no such thing and everything that is being said is speculative. I stand by my statement and will stick to this advice,” Akhtar said.
The former pacer said he wanted to see Pakistan cricket improve but had no intention of joining the PCB.
“There is no truth in these claims. I have no interest in going to PCB at all. I stand by my statement. I hear all these reports about taking over the role of chief selector. All these are false and there is no truth in such claims. I just want the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” he added.
Akhtar also said that he had no discussions with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding the reported role. He is currently in Houston on a private visit.
The news comes amid speculation of a major overhaul of Pakistan’s coaching and selection set-up. The PCB has made several changes in the team management and support staff in recent years, with captains, coaches and selectors being replaced at various stages.
“MANY OTHER WAYS OF SERVICE TO PAKISTAN CRICKET”
Akhtar, who has played 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is for Pakistan, said he still wants to contribute to the country’s cricket but does not believe he needs to formally join the PCB to do so.
“I would like to serve Pakistan cricket, but I think I can do it in many other ways,” he said.
Earlier news in Pakistan the media claimed that Akhtar met Naqvi for detailed discussions about the national team and ways to improve its fortunes.
Reports also suggested that the relationship between Akhtar and Naqvi had improved in recent months. Naqvi is said to have turned to the former pacer after his elder brother’s death.
However, Akhtar’s latest comments have silenced those reports, with the former Pakistan pacer making it clear that he is not interested in taking over the role of chief selector.
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