Is Shoaib Akhtar keen on working with PCB?

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Former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar has hinted at a potential interest in a management position, after the current Pakistan Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq announced that he will be stepping down from his position.

In a Youtube video, the former fast-bowler expressed his belief that Pakistan required modern players with ‘star’ value in order to take the team in a new direction.

“I have told Pakistan to bring in players of modern times with star value. They should be new additions who are new blood and can bring in a new attitude who know about modern cricket,” said Akhtar.

He also claimed that he did not need a job and was just trying to advise the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about a strategy to move forward.

“What do they (Pakistan) need to do? How can they change the whole scenario of Pakistan cricket? Look, I am not someone who needs a job. I am not someone who needs to be somewhere. Allah has given me everything,” he said.

The former speedster claimed that a ‘star’ management was required to create a winning team.

“Until you bring in a ‘match winning’ management. Until you bring in a ‘star’ management you will never have a star or match winning team. Honestly if you ask me. The seniors I have worked with have no clue about cricket,” he said. “They have been big batsman or big bowlers but they have no knowledge of cricket whatsoever. They don’t have any clue about the requirements of modern day cricket. “

Akhtar expressed his disappointment with the current management by disclosing a conversation he had with some seniors associated with the team.

“I asked four senior star players that how many players are allowed outside the circle in the third powerplay. They didn’t even know that,” he said. “All of them want to be coaches for Pakistan. All of them want to be coaches based on their name value.”

The former pacer stated that the entire recruitment process was based upon references and warned the PCB that the continuation of this process could lead to the team’s eventual downfall.

 “These guys can’t teach you that. It is your decision if you want to keep going in circles. I know for a fact that people come in through references. If this is what you want to do with your cricket, then I am really sorry to say that this will have grave consequences,” he said.

The Rawalpindi Express praised former cricketers whom he believed should be allowed to coach players at a lower level.

“We have Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Wasim and Saeed Anwar who have played modern day cricket. Players like Younus Khan are there. He should be allowed to coach at a lower level. Yousuf should also coach at a lower level,” he said.

The 43-year-old expressed his faith in the abilities of the Managing Director Wasim Khan and Chairman PCB Ehsan Mani in making the right choice.

 “PCB needs to think very smartly. I have faith in Wasim Khan and Ehsan Mani because I think they are smart people. They will make a right choice,” he concluded.