The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in talks with former cricket superstar Shoaib Akhtar for an “important” role at the PCB. In an interview aired earlier this week on YouTube channel Cricket Baaz, Akhtar confirmed the development.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Thursday had confirmed that he was in discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for an important position in country’s cricket set-up which is believed to be chairman of selector’s post replacing Misbah-ul-Haq.
Misbah may be moved from the role
Misbah-ul-Haq could be asked to relinquish his role as chief selector after Pakistan returned home from England. Pakistan are currently playing the three-match Test series against the hosts and will later lock horns against the home side in a three-match T20I series.
The PCB has plans to remove head coach Misbah from the chief selector’s position and Shoaib is being considered for the role.
“I will not deny it. Yes, I have had some discussions with the Board and I am interested in playing a major role in Pakistan cricket. But nothing is decided as yet,” Shoaib said on on Thursday during a YouTube show ‘Cricket Baaz’, according to Press Trust of India agency.
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Shoaib’s name has been doing rounds as the PCB is seriously considering relieving head coach Misbah off his dual responsibility and also because of its new code of ethics (another name of Conflict of Interest) policy.
“I live a very comfortable life…I played cricket on my terms but now I have settled down. But I am ready to leave this comfort and try to put my neck on the line for the PCB… I am not afraid others give advice. I will give time if the opportunity arises,” Shoaib said.
Shoaib Akhtar not yet revealing any details of discussions
Shoaib, however, refused to divulge details of his discussions with PCB top bosses.
“Yes, there have been some discussions. I can reveal only this much but nothing concrete as yet. But talks are still on. I have not said “yes” neither have they (PCB) said “yes”,” Shoaib said.
Squads for #NationalT20Cup 2020 confirmed. MORE: https://t.co/Ujx0jffNR8 pic.twitter.com/a8NXxier92
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 9, 2020
Shoaib also said that if he accepted the chief selector’s job he would probably be the first player who would become “bigger than the job”. And no one knows it better than him.
“I will not deny it. Yes, I have had some discussions with the Board and I am interested in playing a major role in Pakistan cricket. But nothing is decided as yet,” he said.
“Yes there has been some discussions. I can reveal only this much but nothing concrete as yet. But talks are still on. I have not said yes and neither have they (PCB) said yes.”
“I don’t like saying this but it is a fact. Look I don’t want a job and I don’t need a salary. People want jobs and they come for salaries but I don’t need the money.”
For Shoaib the motivation is to build a pool of world-class players who will serve Pakistan cricket for long time.
“I am ready to get in the line of fire. I will do it because I want to play a role in creating a pool of players from the new generation who play with an aggressive mindset and without fear of failure.”
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Shoaib said that if he is entrusted with the job, he wants to create match winners like Wasim Akram and Javed Miandad, who would become brands on their own. “We need to start having players who have same mindset that our greats like Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram or Mushtaq Muhammad had.
“The fast bowlers should not have muscular gym-toned bodies but ones that is cricket specific. I want to have 15 players who are brands and stars and this can only be possible if they feel secure and can win matches with their performances.”
The “mindset has to change” in PCB says Shoaib
He said the main problem with the present Pakistan team was that it was scared of losing and players were insecure. He has repeatedly said that there needs to be more done in order to make the Pakistani team more confident and less insecure.
“This mindset had to be changed. I believe that If had been with the team there was no way we would have lost the first test to England after reducing them to top 117 for five… aggression is necessary for top cricket,” Shoaib remarked.
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“I have always believed in making tough decisions and people will back you.” He also called on Misbah to focus on leaving a legacy in Pakistan cricket instead of worrying about the results all the time.
However, Jang’s sources within the PCB say that Akhtar is not in line for the chief selector or any other position, deeming speculation in this regard as untrue.
The Urdu daily did say though that Akhtar, on his own request, did hold a meeting with PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and CEO Wasim Khan on Thursday.
“Everyone’s career has to end sometime. As a coach, he [Misbah] has to change his mindset. Play another two to three Haider Alis.”
GVS News Desk