PCB likely to appoint Naveed Akram Cheema as team manager: report

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to appoint Naveed Akram Cheema as the team manager for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, as per a media report.

Sources indicate that this change aims to improve team discipline and performance.

Cheema previously managed the team during the tours of Australia and New Zealand from December 2023 to January 2024. After these tours, he was replaced by Mansoor Rana, with Wahab Riaz serving as the senior team manager.

Following a disappointing performance at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, both Wahab and Mansoor were removed from their roles. Their departure was reportedly due to their inability to maintain discipline within the team.

Cheema's return as the team manager is seen as a move to enforce stricter discipline measures. PCB is expected to announce the complete team management lineup for the Bangladesh series in the next few days.

The series against Bangladesh is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. The first Test will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 21 to 25. The second Test is scheduled for August 30 to September 3 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.