Senior bureaucrat set to take central role at PCB

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to undergo a transformation as one of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s key administrative team members, a senior bureaucrat, is expected to take up a central role at PCB headquarters in the coming days. 

This marks a key step for PCB Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, who is working to establish a strong, professional management team at the board.

The incoming senior bureaucrat is already involved in PCB meetings with Naqvi, offering insights on board matters and playing a significant role in advising on renovations at Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi stadiums ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Though his official appointment orders are yet to be issued, he’s expected to replace the traditional 9-to-5 "bureaucratic culture" with a more dynamic work environment.

According to sources, following the resignation of Women’s Wing Head Tania Malik and PSL Director Sohaib Sheikh, further resignations and role reassignments are anticipated. Changes in several director positions are expected, with discussions underway to bring in a female bureaucrat to head the Women’s Wing, while former Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Rafiah Haider, who was active during Naqvi’s tenure as caretaker Chief Minister, is likely to assume this position.

Domestic Cricket Director Khurram Niazi, another bureaucrat, will remain, but International Cricket Director Usman Wahla may be replaced. Naqvi seeks officers who can keep pace with his vision and style.

Additionally, the expected appointment of this senior bureaucrat as Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead to the reassignment of Barrister Salman Naseer, who has been COO since stepping up from PCB’s legal department. Although Naseer will move to a new role in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), his responsibilities and decision-making power will be scaled back, indicating a shift rather than a demotion.

The new COO served as an officer on Naqvi’s staff during his time as caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab. Though not readily released by the Prime Minister, Naqvi’s personal request is expected to bring the new COO to PCB within days.

Barrister Salman Naseer, who joined PCB’s legal wing 12 years ago and rose through the ranks to succeed Subhan Ahmed as COO, has worked with PCB leadership under Najam Sethi, Ehsan Mani, Ramiz Raja, Zaka Ashraf, and now Mohsin Naqvi. However, Naqvi reportedly seeks a management style different from Naseer’s.