PCB ready to ring changes as poor performances continue

Waqar likely to face axe along with junior and senior selection committees

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing for a major shake-up, with the board keen on revamping important sections such as the team management and the senior and junior selection committees.

The Men in Green had a disastrous Asia Cup, while they stand on the brink of elimination from the World T20 despite an emphatic win against Bangladesh in the opening match.

Coach Waqar Younis was supposed to carry on till the summer tour of England but the PCB now seems keen to install fresh management, and Waqar is likely to face the axe sooner rather than later.



Similarly, the senior national selection committee led by Haroon Rasheed will also be shown the door, while the junior committee headed by Basit Ali will be dissolved as well.

“The PCB tried to give the team management as much time as possible, but Waqar has failed to produce the desired results and the dressing room has remained divided during his tenure,” a senior PCB official told The Express Tribune.

“He has failed to get Pakistan in line with the demands of the modern game, while the players have lost faith in him,” added the official. “Waqar’s ego was a problem during his previous stint as coach and it is a problem again. There is also a consensus to bring in new senior and junior selection committees.”

The official added that Waqar has asked the board to organise a month-long training camp soon after the World T20, but with the 44-year-old’s future uncertain, no preparations have been made in this regard.



The PCB has already formed an inquiry committee for the Asia Cup’s poor performances and the committee is likely to look into the performances during the World T20 as well.

There have been reports of a rift in the camp, with some players going against skipper Shahid Afridi, who is all set to say goodbye to international cricket, along with a communication gap between Afridi and Waqar.

Class of 92 in contention for roles

Former bowling coach Aqib Javed, who has been working as the head coach of UAE, is in the reckoning to take over from Waqar after the World T20.

“Aqib has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the head coach’s position because he has proven himself [with UAE], while he was the one to introduce modern day coaching methods in Pakistan,” added the official. “In addition, he is also liked by the players because he understands their problem and offers them a comfort zone to excel in.”

Aqib may be joined by other members of the 1992 World Cup winning squad. “There is also consideration to involve Wasim Akram and Moin Khan since their respective teams, Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators, did well in the first edition of the Pakistan Super League.”



Mushtaq Ahmed, meanwhile, is being touted as the next National Cricket Academy head coach.

However, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan and spokesperson Amjad Hussain Bhatti were both unavailable for comment.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2016.

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