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PCB approaches Shoaib Akhtar for role of chief selector

Akhtar said that he would bring forward players with an aggressive mindset

PCB approaches Shoaib Akhtar for role of chief selector PHOTO: AFP

Legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar has confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approached him for a major role, which is likely to be the post of chief selector.

Misbah has been under-fire since accepting the dual role, national side’s chief selector and head coach, and the pressure on him has only increased due to the team’s below-par performances during his tenure.

Akhtar has now stated that the discussions are ongoing with the PCB as he is interested in working for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.      

"I will not deny it. Yes, I have had some discussions with the board and I am interested in playing a major role in Pakistan cricket. But nothing is decided as yet," Akhtar said on Thursday during a YouTube show Cricket Baaz.

"I live a very comfortable life…I played cricket on my terms but now I have settled down. But I am ready to leave this comfort and try to put my neck on the line for the PCB. I am not afraid others give advice. I will give time if the opportunity arises," he added.

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If given the opportunity, Akhtar said that he would bring forward players with an aggressive mindset.  

"I am ready to get in the line of fire. I will do it because I want to play a role in creating a pool of players from the new generation who play with an aggressive mindset and without fear of failure," he said.  

"We need to start having players who have same mindset that our greats like Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram or Mushtaq Muhammad had,” he further stated.

Misbah, whose future now hangs in the balance, was given the dual role in September 2019 in all three formats on a three-year contract.