Pakistan Cricket Board denies reports of offering Shoaib Akhtar a major role

On 10th September, Shoaib Akhtar mentioned that he has been approached for a major role by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Though he indicated that nothing has finalized yet, but the speculations were on an all-time high. There were rumors that Misbah-ul-Haq, the chief selector of the national team will vacate the spot as the former speedster was all set to join the management. Now, PCB has quashed all such rumors.

All of this started after the Rawalpindi Express expressed his dissatisfaction over the lack of aggressive approach by PCB. While speaking on his YouTube channel, Akhtar said that Pakistan cricket needs an aggressive thinker like him, who can change the team environment. He has been quite vocal about his thoughts on Men in Green and has been criticized a lot for praising Indian cricketers on his YouTube channel. After this, in another video, he claimed that he is in talks with PCB but nothing is finalized yet.

The pacer had mentioned, “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. 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.”

Now, PCB has stepped into the matter and denied any offering to the former cricketer. As per Pakistan journalist Saj Sajiq’s recent tweet, the PCB has quashed all such claims.

Pakistan’s dismal show in England

With a new and promising pace bowling line up, the Pakistani team was looking confident of having a successful English tour. They started on the perfect note and grabbed a first-innings lead in the 1st Test match. However, England made a comeback and eventually won the close game. Also, the Men in Green looked quite defensive throughout the series and they lost it by 0-1.

In the shortest format, they ended up drawing the series 1-1. However, the team management looked indecisive in their strategy and several former Pakistani cricketers criticized their planning and the approach. Pakistan is led by Azhar Ali in Tests and Babar Azam is the captain of the limited-overs cricket.