Aaqib Javed emerges as front-runner for Director of High Performance role in PCB shake-up

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is on the brink of significant changes, with former cricketer Aaqib Javed emerging as the favored candidate for the role of Director of High Performance. 

Javed, currently a member of the selection committee, is anticipated to assume the role presently held by Nadeem Khan, as the board embarks on a strategic restructuring of its leadership.

Initially recruited to oversee Pakistan’s cricket academies, Javed was soon entrusted with the selector’s responsibilities. Given the autonomy to implement his vision, The former pacer revitalized the national team, guiding them to a resounding victory in the three-match Test series against England. His bold selection choices and innovative pitch strategies, particularly his emphasis on spin-friendly surfaces, have earned him respect within the PCB.

According to insiders, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is expected to meet with the selection committee this weekend, will finalize Javed’s appointment and discuss additional team restructuring decisions, including the selection of a new captain. Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan, who has gained favor as a potential white-ball captain, is reportedly the top choice, though concerns about his player preferences persist. However, selectors maintain that a robust system will ensure unbiased leadership.

The board is contemplating reassigning three current directors: Nadeem Khan, Usman Wahla (Director of International Cricket), and Samiul Hasan Burney (Director of Media and Communications). The decision comes in light of Wahla's significant decline in the chairman's confidence in his abilities.

Samiul Hassan's underutilization has become increasingly evident, further highlighted by the replacement of media managers he appointed for the series, indicating a mounting lack of confidence in his leadership. Sources indicate that a transfer of one of the three directors is likely, while the others might be dismissed. 

Upon Naqvi's return, he may meet with the selectors on Saturday or Sunday.

It is worth notingh that the Pakistan cricket team is set to tour Australia in November for an exciting three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20 series.

ODI series schedule:

• 4 November: MCG, Melbourne (D/N) 
• 8 November: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N) 
• 10 November: Perth Stadium, Perth (D/N)

T20I series schedule:

• 14 November: The Gabba, Brisbane (N)
• 16 November: SCG, Sydney (N)
• 18 November: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (N)