Shoaib Akhtar is on the cusp of a career shift, with a senior PCB posting in the wings after the national team’s 3-0 whitewash in England. The board’s choice follows a heated meeting between the former fast bowler and Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who reportedly listened to Akhtar’s ideas on turning the team’s fortunes around.
The discussion was sparked by Naqvi’s support during Shoaib’s personal loss last month, a gesture that softened the bowler’s long‑standing criticism of the board. The two met in Islamabad, where Akhtar outlined a vision that includes fresh coaching appointments and a revamped cricket think tank.
Beyond the men’s side, the PCB is eyeing foreign expertise—potential hires like Shane McDermott and Ashley Noffke—while the women’s squad waits for a permanent head coach. All of these moves aim to address the systemic issues that surfaced after the England tour, where seven senior players, including Rizwan and Imam‑ul‑Haq, were sent home, and Sarfaraz Ahmed was replaced by Mike Hesson.
Should Akhtar land the role, he would transition from public critic to decision‑maker, potentially steering Pakistan back to the top of the rankings. The board’s overhaul is a direct response to the 3‑0 loss and the mounting pressure for better results across all levels.
The next test for the revamped PCB will come in the upcoming ICC World Cup qualifiers, where the board’s new strategy will face its first real‑world test.