Aqib Javed Responds to Reports of PCB Exit
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan cricket team selector Aqib Javed has dismissed reports suggesting that he is preparing to resign from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or could soon be removed from his position.
According to Dawn, Aqib responded to the speculation through a text message on Tuesday night, describing the reports as false.
“No resignation, it’s fake news,” Aqib was quoted as saying.
Reports of Changes Within PCB
Aqib’s clarification comes as reports of possible changes within the PCB’s cricket administration have emerged following Pakistan’s recent results.
Some reports have suggested that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is considering adjustments to the national selection setup, including a possible change involving Aqib’s role as senior selector.
There have also been reports about Wahab Riaz’s position as mentor of the Pakistan women’s team. Any potential change in that role is reportedly being considered after the Asian Games in Japan.
Aqib Javed’s Role in Pakistan Cricket
Aqib, who was part of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team, has remained involved in key cricketing decisions over the past two years.
He currently serves on the national selection committee and also holds the position of director of high performance.
His tenure has included several changes to Pakistan’s coaching staff and leadership setup, particularly during the team’s recent Test tour of England.
Following Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test at Lord’s, the PCB sent seven players back home and made changes to the coaching staff, including head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
Pakistan Suffered 3-0 Test Series Defeat
Pakistan eventually lost the Test series against England 3-0, a result that further increased scrutiny of the team’s management and selection decisions.
The defeat also affected Pakistan’s position in the World Test Championship standings.
Selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq subsequently resigned after the series, while Aqib had previously indicated that he was not planning to step down from his responsibilities.
Possible Changes to Test Coaching Setup
Recent reports have also linked the PCB’s discussions to white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and the possibility of him taking responsibility for the Test team.
Aqib has previously defended the decisions made during the England series. He argued that Pakistan had struggled to compete and that changes were necessary to improve the team’s approach.
For now, however, Aqib has publicly denied reports that he is resigning from the PCB, describing the claims about his departure as “fake news.”
