In the wake of a disastrous and humiliating tour of England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is bracing for a massive internal overhaul. Amidst sweeping changes expected across the national cricketing structure, former legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is reportedly in line for a key high-profile position within the board, according to internal sources.
The potential inclusion of the fiery former pacer comes on the heels of a closed-door meeting in Islamabad between Akhtar and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The two figures reportedly engaged in comprehensive, detailed discussions concerning the dismal state of Pakistan cricket and charted potential corrective blueprints moving forward.
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Relations between Akhtar—who has historically been one of Pakistan cricket’s most vocal and unsparing media critics—and the board’s administration have taken a remarkably positive turn in recent months. The thaw in tensions largely stems from a personal gesture by Naqvi, who reached out and offered close support to Akhtar following the passing of the former cricketer’s elder brother. This demonstration of empathy left a deep impression on Akhtar, setting the stage for collaborative dialogue about the future of the sport in the country.
While Akhtar is strongly positioned to secure a major assignment, sources indicate that he outlined his own distinct set of ideas, terms, and conditions to ensure that any future involvement translates to genuine, structural progress for Pakistan cricket. Naqvi has also extended invitations for Akhtar to visit the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and interact closely with ongoing training camps.
The urgency for an immediate shake-up follows Pakistan’s historic and dismal 0-3 Test series whitewash on English soil—marking the first time the national side has suffered a clean sweep in a Test series in England. In response to the debacle, the PCB is not only targeting high-level administrative changes but is also restructuring its coaching staff. Following the sudden departures of senior team fielding coach Shane McDermott and batting coach Ashley Noffke, the board is actively hunting for international consultants and permanent coaching staff.
Simultaneously, the board is looking to lock down a permanent, long-term head coach for the struggling national women’s team. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made it abundantly clear internally that acceptable standards must rise, demanding vastly improved competitive outcomes across the senior men’s, women’s, Shaheens, and junior development setups. Whether Shoaib Akhtar’s imminent induction will provide the spark needed to rescue Pakistan cricket from its persistent turbulence remains one of the most closely watched developments in the sport.
