Reports: Shoaib Akhtar in talks with PCB to replace Misbah-ul-Haq as national chief selector

Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistan fast bowler, has confirmed that he’s in talks in with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to become the national chief selector. If Shoaib comes to the fore, he will be replacing Misbah-ul-Haq, who was appointed back in September 2019 after Pakistan’s disastrous performance in the 2019 World Cup where they couldn’t make the semis.

Misbah, apart from the selector, is also Pakistan cricket’s head coach after he replaced South Africa’s Mickey Arthur, who’s currently with Sri Lanka. In the meantime, Shoaib, popularly known as the Rawalpindi Express, expressed his desire to play a “major role” in Pakistan cricket.

“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,” Akhtar was quoted as saying on YouTube show Cricket Baaz.

I am ready to leave this comfort: Shoaib Akhtar

Despite not playing much cricket, Shoaib has hogged the headlines, analysing on various cricketing topics on his official YouTube channel. However, as per the new PCB guidelines, if he joins Pakistan’s administrative forum, he might have to let go his channel.

As far as the chief selector’s role is concerned, Shoaib said that apart from “some discussions”, nothing concrete has taken place for the time being.

“I live a very comfortable life, I played cricket on my terms and 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. 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 neither have they (PCB) said yes,” he stated.

Akhtar’s cricket career was marred with controversies and injuries. But despite the hurdles, he made a name for himself as one of the deadliest fast bowlers of his era. In 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is, the speedster ended with 178, 247 and 19 wickets respectively. He last played for Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup.