Mohsin Naqvi set to take drastic steps; Aaqib Javed, Wahab Riaz could face axe | Cricket News
Pakistan cricket could be heading for another major overhaul, with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly preparing sweeping changes following the Test team’s disastrous tour of England.Pakistan were beaten 0-3 in the Test series in England, a result that pushed them down to ninth in the ICC rankings. The poor run has already triggered significant changes, including the removal of two coaches and a major reshuffle of the playing squad.Now, according to a PTI report, the Pakistan Cricket Board is considering changes to the national selection committee, with former Test cricketer Aaqib Javed among those who could be removed from his role as senior selector.
Aaqib Javed could be next to go
A PCB source indicated that Naqvi has recognised the need for drastic action after the continued instability surrounding the national side.“Even Mohsin Naqvi has now realised that some radical measures are required to end the losing streak and abrupt happenings in Pakistan cricket. So these changes are now on the cards,” an internal source said.Javed was at the centre of the controversial changes made to Pakistan’s Test squad earlier this month, shortly after the team lost the Lord’s Test against England.Seven players were sent home following that defeat, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released from their duties. Javed has also faced criticism previously over frequent changes to Pakistan’s coaching staff and captaincy.The possible shake-up could extend beyond the men’s selection committee.Wahab Riaz, another former Pakistan bowler who is currently working as a mentor with the women’s team, is also expected to be released from his duties after the Asian Games campaign in Japan later this month.The PCB’s decision to make changes to the coaching setup during the England tour was also linked to Mike Hesson’s growing interest in taking charge of the men’s team across all formats.The New Zealand coach is currently Pakistan’s white-ball coach, but sources said he has shown keen interest in taking up the all-format role.At the same time, the PCB has been in talks with several foreign coaches over the vacant head coach position with the women’s team following the Asian Games.“Naqvi will soon hold a high-level meeting with his aides and also take the governing board members into confidence before final decisions are made on the changes,” the source said.
Hesson wants clarity before taking red-ball role
Hesson, however, is understood to have made his expectations clear before agreeing to take charge of Pakistan’s red-ball setup.He has said he needs sufficient time to get the system in motion and wants a confirmed timeframe for the assignment. Hesson has also sought assurances that he will have freedom from interference in his decision-making.With Naqvi now preparing to consult his aides and the PCB governing board, Pakistan cricket could be in line for another round of significant changes in the coming days.
