Shoaib Akhtar has firmly rejected reports linking him to the role of Pakistan’s chief selector under the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) led by Mohsin Naqvi. The former fast bowler made his position clear during a live appearance on PTV Sports, stating he has no intention of joining the PCB in any official capacity.
Speculation about changes in Pakistan’s cricket setup grew louder after the national team suffered a 0-3 defeat against England in their recent Test series. Amid talk of a shake-up in coaching and selection, Akhtar’s name was mentioned for the chief selector’s post. But the 46-Test veteran dismissed these claims as baseless.
“There is no such thing, and all that is being said is speculative. I stand by my statement, and I am going to stick to that advice,” Akhtar told the PTV Sports anchor, who reminded him of earlier remarks about his mother’s advice to stay away from the PCB and Pakistani politics.
Akhtar went on to say, “There is no truth to these claims. I am not at all interested in going to the PCB. I stand by my statement. I am hearing all this news about taking on the role of chief selector. This is all fake, and there is no truth to such claims. I just want the betterment of Pakistan cricket.”
The former pacer also denied having any discussions with the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB regarding the alleged appointment. Currently in Houston on a private visit, Akhtar stressed that he wants to contribute to Pakistan cricket without joining the board. “I would love to serve Pakistan cricket, but I think I can do it in many other ways," he said.
Earlier reports claimed Akhtar had met PCB chairman Naqvi for detailed talks about the national team and improving its fortunes. Those reports suggested the relationship between the two had warmed in recent months, especially after Naqvi reached out to Akhtar following the death of his elder brother. These developments fuelled speculation of the former fast bowler’s return to an official role, but Akhtar’s comments clearly dismiss any such notion.
Akhtar’s international career spanned 46 Tests, 163 One-Day Internationals, and 15 Twenty20 matches for Pakistan. Despite his status as one of Pakistan’s most celebrated fast bowlers, he has kept away from formal roles within the PCB since retiring.
The PCB has not publicly commented on Akhtar’s denial. Meanwhile, the board faces pressure to overhaul its selection and coaching panels following Pakistan’s series loss in England. With Akhtar ruling himself out of involvement, the search for new appointments continues.
Akhtar’s remarks leave the door open for him to support Pakistan cricket in informal ways, but he has made it clear he will not accept any official position with the PCB under Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership.
According to Yahoo Sports.