Wasim declines PCB role due to commitments

Naqvi sought to delegate cricket-related matters to the former skipper

KARACHI:

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has declined an offer to take a position at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Akram was approached to serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or advisor to the chairman, but he cited other commitments as the reason for his unavailability for a full-time role.

According to the details, the Chairman of the PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Minister of Interior, has been criticized for not dedicating sufficient time to cricket due to his dual responsibilities. To mitigate this issue, Naqvi sought to delegate cricket-related matters to a former cricketer.

Sources indicate that Naqvi recently contacted Akram, offering him the role of CEO or personal advisor. This position would require full-time dedication, overseeing all cricketing affairs within the PCB.

However, Akram, who resides permanently in Karachi and frequently travels to Australia for family reasons, expressed his inability to relocate to Lahore.

Akram assured the chairman that he would remain available to support Pakistan cricket as needed, without any compensation. During their discussion, Naqvi shared his future plans for the PCB, which Akram found impressive. Following Akram's decision, PCB officials contacted another former cricket legend, Waqar Younis.

Waqar Younis, who also resides in Australia with his family, has expressed a willingness to return to Lahore. He met with Naqvi on Monday to discuss various matters, but an official announcement regarding his appointment has yet to be made. Younis has previously been associated with the PCB in various capacities, although each tenure ended on an unpleasant note.

It is worth noting that the new PCB constitution does not currently include the position of CEO, though amendments could be made to accommodate the role if necessary.

NZ’s Tim Southee keen to play PSL

Tim Southee, the renowned New Zealand fast bowler, has shared his enthusiasm for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and reflected on his memorable experiences from his tour of Pakistan two years ago.

In an exclusive interview with a local news channel, Southee, known for his impressive performances in international cricket, spoke highly of the PSL, describing it as "an amazing tournament" he follows closely.

“The Pakistan Super League is an amazing tournament that I follow, and I would be thrilled to be a part of it in the future,” Southee said.

Reflecting on his previous tour of Pakistan with the New Zealand team, Southee fondly recalled the positive experiences he had during the visit.

“Two years ago, I toured Pakistan with the New Zealand team, and I have many pleasant memories of that time,” he said.

He particularly appreciated the food and hospitality in Karachi, noting, "During the Test series, I thoroughly enjoyed the food and hospitality in Karachi."

The 35-year-old also offered insights into the bowling conditions in Pakistan, highlighting their challenges. "The bowling conditions for fast bowlers in Pakistan are quite challenging," he remarked.

Currently representing Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred tournament, Southee spoke about his experience with the format, comparing it to T20 cricket.

“I am happy to represent Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred tournament. Like T20, the Hundred format is also not very bowler-friendly,” he concluded.

On July 5th, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the schedule for the men's 2024-25 home international cricket season.

A highlight of this season is the first ODI tri-series in 21 years, which will serve as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted in Pakistan.

The tri-series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa, will take place in Multan from February 8-14. The season will conclude with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, scheduled for March 9.