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The Pakistan National Cricket Team is all set for another major shake-up as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly plans to reduce Aaqib Javed’s powers. Aaqib Javed has been involved in several important matters at the PCB, so he could now be removed from the selection committee.
However, the former Pakistan bowler is likely to continue as the Director of Development at the Lahore High-Performance Centre. This comes in the wake of Pakistan’s major crisis after a poor run in Test cricket and several sudden changes inside the team. Amid this, an ex-Pakistan captain questions why Babar Azam was spared after Lord's Test.
Aaqib Javed set to lose selection powers
After Pakistan lost the Test series to England, the PCB took several shocking decisions before the third and final Test in Birmingham. Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed from their positions.
Seven players were also sent back home. The situation became even more serious when chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq resigned in protest. However, Aaqib Javed has remained in his position, and he is considered close to PCB chairman and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi.
However, Javed’s influence could now be reduced. He is likely to be removed from his role in the Pakistan selection committee. The move could reduce his control over the national team while allowing him to focus on player development.
PCB set to restrict Aaqib Javed to development role
The Pakistan Cricket Board headed by Mohsin Naqvi is expected to ask him to concentrate mainly on his development role at the Lahore High-Performance Centre.
A close source to PCB was quoted as saying to PTI, “Aaqib Javed, who is considered the blue-eyed boy of the chairman, is also likely to be told to just focus on his role as Director Development at the Lahore High-Performance Centre.” Amid this, Mike Hesson addresses Salman Ali Agha’s absence from the King Charles III meeting ahead of the 3rd Test.
Mike Hesson behind shocking Pakistan shake-up?
There could also be disciplinary action involving Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. The three players are expected to appear before a committee and explain their conduct over certain incidents during the tours of England and the West Indies.
The seven players sent home were reportedly released after Mike Hesson recommended giving opportunities to players he had worked with during the white-ball camp. It is also being said that Hesson could now be considered for the test coaching role.
The source shared, “The rest of the players sent back were done so on the recommendation of interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who wanted to try out some players he had worked with in the white-ball camp. If he doesn't agree, then the board will appoint someone else before the next home series against Sri Lanka in November.”
Major Pakistan reset underway!
The PCB may also try to give new roles to Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul to calm down the situation after their removal from their roles in the Test team. At the same time, a new selection committee could be announced soon by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
With Aaqib's powers set to be reduced, Misbah has already resigned, several players are under scrutiny, and the coaching setup is still uncertain, Pakistan is once again facing a major reset, and the PCB now has the difficult job of bringing stability back to the national setup.
