Shoaib Akhtar in line for key PCB role after Naqvi meeting

Pakistan cricket could be heading for another structural reset, with former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar reportedly in line for a key role in the Pakistan Cricket Board. The development follows a recent meeting between Akhtar and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad, at a time when the board is reviewing its overall setup after a difficult tour of England.

PCB considering broader changes after England setback

The reports suggest the board wants to make wholesale changes across men’s, women’s, junior and Shaheen-level cricket. That direction has gained urgency after Pakistan suffered a whitewash in England, a result that exposed multiple performance gaps in the team structure and support staff.

While the exact nature of Akhtar’s role has not been confirmed, the discussions indicate that the PCB is open to bringing in former cricketers with strong opinions and high-profile experience. Akhtar has long been one of the most vocal external critics of Pakistan cricket, which makes his potential entry into the system notable from both a symbolic and strategic perspective.

Relationship-building appears to matter in the move

According to the reports, Naqvi’s personal support for Akhtar during the recent loss of his elder brother helped strengthen their communication. That interaction reportedly left a positive impression on the former fast bowler, who has frequently questioned the PCB’s decision-making in the past.

The board’s interest in Akhtar also reflects a wider attempt to refresh the cricket think tank. In recent months, Pakistan has already seen multiple support-staff changes, including the departure of fielding coach Shane McDermott and batting coach Ashley Noffke. Bowling coach Umar Gul was also removed after the England tour, underlining the scale of the reset.

Performance pressure driving administrative change

Pakistan’s recent results have made the need for measurable improvement more urgent. The England tour ended in a clean sweep against Pakistan, adding to concerns about consistency, preparation and the effectiveness of current systems. In that context, the PCB appears to be looking for external expertise as well as internal restructuring.

The possible inclusion of Akhtar is part of that broader agenda. As a former elite fast bowler, he brings direct international experience and a long-standing public profile, which could help the board communicate a reform message while also making cricket operations more performance-focused.

Potential coaching expansion beyond Shoaib Akhtar

Reports also indicate that the PCB is preparing to approach foreign coaches and consultants for the men’s team. Shaun Tait and Martin Guptill are among the names being discussed for key roles, suggesting that the board may combine local cricket voices with overseas expertise.

This approach is consistent with the current trend of revamping Pakistan’s cricket support model. The board seems intent on reducing dependence on a single structure and instead building a broader advisory network around the senior team and development pathways.

What the shake-up means for Pakistan cricket

For Pakistan cricket, the immediate question is not just who joins the system, but what responsibilities they receive and how clearly those roles are defined. The PCB has struggled in recent years to maintain continuity in coaching and administration, and the latest changes point to another attempt to correct that imbalance.

Akhtar’s potential involvement could be significant if it leads to sharper accountability, better talent evaluation and more realistic performance targets. However, like any administrative change, the outcome will depend on the clarity of the role, the authority granted and the quality of execution across departments.

For now, the reports point to a board in transition. If Akhtar is formally brought in, it would mark one of the more high-profile cricket administration moves in recent Pakistan cricket history, especially given his long record as an outspoken observer of the game.