‘Maincast’ for Shoaib Akhtar? Mohsin Naqvi is in talks with the former Pakistan star

Shoaib Akhtar-Mohsin Naqvi Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could soon move from being one of the most vocal critics of the Pakistan Cricket Board to a role in shaping its cricketing decisions.Akhtar is said to be in line for the PCB’s top job as chairman Mohsin Naqvi wants 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 about Pakistan cricket.A source close to the PCB said that Akhtar, who lives in Islamabad, met Naqvi last week and the two spoke at length about cricket-related matters.“A few weeks ago, when Shoaib’s elder brother passed away, Mohsin Naqvi worked closely with him and was there for him. This gesture greatly impressed Shoaib, who has been a vocal critic of 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 high-profile post, but clearly when he met the chairman, he had his own set of ideas and conditions where he believes Pakistan cricket can move forward,” the source said.

The PCB is planning a wider overhaul

Akhtar’s potential appointment comes as the PCB considers changes beyond the senior squad. The board is also exploring the possibility of bringing in foreign coaches and consultants following the departures of senior fielding coach Shane McDermott and batting coach Ashley Noffke.Another area to watch is the women’s national team, the PCB is considering appointing a permanent long-term head coach.“The board is working on some future plans and there will be some changes in the cricket think-tank soon as the chairman has made it clear that he expects better results from the men’s, women’s, shaheen and junior national teams,” the source said.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 their first ever clean sheets in a Test series on English soil. The result is increased scrutiny on the national side, as well as the wider structure of cricket that surrounds it. Midway through 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 role of head coach in the third Test.The PCB is therefore examining changes to its cricket set-up, including coaching and counseling sessions, rather than limiting 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 decisions and the direction of the national team. His outspoken views have often made him a prominent critic of the PCB.A formal role on the board would therefore mark a significant change for the former fast bowler. Instead of analyzing Pakistan cricket from outside the system, Akhtar could potentially have a direct say in decisions and plans, which he often commented on.However, the exact position he is being considered for has not yet been officially announced.