Wasim Akram, the former captain and renowned ‘king of swing,’ has turned down an offer to join the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as either Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or advisor to the Chairman.
This decision comes at a time when the PCB is under scrutiny over its management practices. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Minister of Interior, has faced criticism for his perceived lack of focus on cricket due to his dual roles.
In response to these concerns, Naqvi sought to bring in a former cricketer to oversee the board’s cricketing operations. Akram was approached for the CEO or advisor role, which would require a full-time commitment and relocation to Lahore.
Akram, who is based in Karachi and frequently travels to Australia for family reasons, cited his inability to relocate as the main reason for declining the offer. Despite this, Akram expressed his willingness to support Pakistan cricket on a voluntary basis without compensation.
Following Akram’s decision, the PCB is now considering another former cricketing legend, Waqar Younis, for the position. Younis, who also resides in Australia, has shown a willingness to move back to Lahore and take on a role with the PCB. He recently met with Naqvi to discuss the opportunity, although no official appointment has been made yet.
It’s worth noting that the current PCB constitution does not include a CEO position, but amendments could be considered to accommodate this role if needed.
Both Akram and Younis were previously scrutinized in connection with the Justice Qayyum report, an investigation into match-fixing concluded in 2000.
