— One wonders why he wanta to stick to coveted slot despite being hammered from all sides
National selector Aaqib Javed has rejected reports of his impending resignation or removal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), describing speculation about his exit as “fake news” amid reports of a major shake-up in the board’s cricket administration.
In a text message to Dawn on Tuesday night, the former Pakistan fast bowler categorically denied reports that he was stepping down.
“No resignation, it’s fake news,” Aaqib said.
His remarks came a day after reports, quoting PCB sources, suggested that chairman Mohsin Naqvi was considering sweeping changes to the board’s cricket setup following Pakistan’s recent poor run of results.
The reported changes included the possible removal of Aaqib from his position as senior selector and the departure of former Pakistan captain Wahab Riaz as mentor of the women’s team after the Asian Games in Japan.
Aaqib, a member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning squad, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the PCB’s cricket administration over the past two years. Besides serving on the national selection committee, he has also held the position of director of high performance.
His role has, however, attracted criticism amid Pakistan’s inconsistent performances and repeated changes in the coaching staff and leadership setup.
He also came under scrutiny following the controversial changes made during Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England. After Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test at Lord’s, the PCB sent seven players home and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
Pakistan subsequently suffered a 3-0 series whitewash and slipped to the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.
Misbah-ul-Haq, who was also part of the selection setup, resigned in the aftermath of the England series. Aaqib, however, had made it clear earlier that he had no plans to quit.
The latest reports of an administrative rethink have also been linked to white-ball head coach Mike Hesson’s reported willingness to take charge of the Test side, potentially prompting the PCB to reconsider the existing cricket management structure.
Aaqib had previously defended the drastic changes made during the England tour, arguing that the team had failed to compete and needed a change in mindset.
His latest denial indicates that, despite mounting speculation over changes in the PCB’s cricket administration, Aaqib currently has no intention of stepping down from his positions.
