Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is being considered for a significant position within the Pakistan Cricket Board’s cricket think tank. It comes after the board moves to overhaul its structures following a dismal tour of England.
The three-Test series in August and September 2026 ended in a 0-3 clean sweep for England, the first time Pakistan have suffered a complete whitewash on English soil. The heavy defeats, combined with wider struggles across men’s, women’s and age-group sides, have prompted PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to initiate changes.
Former Pakistan fast bowler in line for key role in PCB after England whitewash
Akhtar, widely known as the Rawalpindi Express for his express pace during a colourful international career, held talks with Naqvi last week. Sources close to the board say the former bowler put forward his own ideas and conditions for helping rebuild Pakistan cricket.
Relations between the two improved after the chairman offered support to Akhtar during a personal family bereavement. According to a report in PTI, a source said:
“Shoaib is in line to get a major posting but obviously when he met with the Chairman he had his own set of ideas and conditions through which he believes Pakistan cricket can be taken forward.”
Meanwhile, the changes in the board are not the only thing being looked for. The planned revamp also includes the appointment of foreign coaches and consultants for national teams. The source further added that the board is also looking to appoint a permanent long-term head coach for the women’s side.
Senior coaching staff departures during and after the England tour have added urgency to the process. It has been revealed that the board is looking for plans for the future, with some changes expected soon.
According to the source, the chairman expects “better results from the national men's, women's, shaheens and junior teams.” With the Pakistan teams suffering several heartbreaks recently, it remains to be seen how the upcoming changes bring better results for the sides.
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