Ex-cricketers set for key roles in PCB

Chairman Naqvi is keen on integrating experienced cricketers to steer the national team

LAHORE:

In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing Pakistan cricket, former captain Azhar Ali, Aqib Javed, and Mushtaq Ahmed are set to be assigned significant responsibilities within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Saleem Yousuf has been appointed as the manager of the Hong Kong Super Sixes team, and his expertise will be leveraged in additional capacities.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is keen on integrating experienced cricketers to steer the national team towards success. According to sources, initial consultations with Azhar Ali, Aqib Javed, Mushtaq Ahmed, and Saleem Yousuf took place last week to discuss potential roles and contributions to Pakistan cricket.

Aqib Javed and Mudassar Nazar have previously made significant contributions to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), playing pivotal roles in developing young talent. Their efforts have helped cultivate future stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam, who are now central figures in Pakistan's cricket landscape.

Aqib Javed, known for his extensive experience in grassroots development and coaching, has also played a crucial role in fostering talent within the Pakistan Super League (PSL), notably providing opportunities for players like Haris Rauf with the Lahore Qalandars. Recently, he concluded a successful stint as the bowling coach for the Sri Lankan team and is poised for a vital role within the PCB.

Meanwhile, Azhar Ali may take on responsibilities at the junior level, similar to the role of Indian coach Rahul Dravid.

This position would allow him to focus on youth development and the nurturing of emerging cricketing talent in Pakistan. Additionally, the PCB has issued advertisements for the appointment of a Director of Youth Development, emphasizing their commitment to fostering the next generation of cricketers.

Furthermore, Naqvi has expressed interest in seeking Mushtaq Ahmed's assistance on critical matters, such as training new spin bowlers and revitalizing the academy's operations.

As discussions progress, further developments regarding the appointments of these former cricketers are expected in the coming days.

Babar, Rauf improve rankings

Pakistan's cricket stars Babar Azam and Haris Rauf have made strides in the latest ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings.

Babar, former Pakistan white-ball captain, has climbed one spot to secure 4th place in the T20I batters ranking with 755 rating points, marking a consistent performance for the 29-year-old. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batter, retains his 6th position with 746 rating points.

On the bowling front, left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi remains steady at 13th with 623 rating points. Haris Rauf has improved his standing, moving up from 26th to 24th in the bowlers' ranking with 583 points. However, Naseem Shah has seen a drop, falling two spots to 49th with 493 rating points.

Meanwhile, India's white-ball stars have enjoyed a rankings boost following their dominant performance against Bangladesh. All-rounder Hardik Pandya's quickfire 39* in the run chase, coupled with a wicket, propelled him seven places to 60th in the batters' rankings and four places to 3rd among all-rounders. Arshdeep Singh, with his three-wicket haul, moved up eight spots to 8th in the bowling rankings.

Washington Sundar has climbed four spots to 35th in the ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings, while Adil Rashid remains at No.1 following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in June and England's recent home series against Australia.