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Wasim Akram declines PCB role amid personal commitments

Naqvi sought to delegate cricket-related matters to a former cricketer

Wasim Akram declines PCB role amid personal commitments PHOTO: AFP

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has declined an offer to take a position at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

Akram was approached to serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or advisor to the chairman, but he cited other commitments as the reason for his unavailability for a full-time role.

According to the details, the Chairman of the PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Minister of Interior, has been criticized for not dedicating sufficient time to cricket due to his dual responsibilities. To mitigate this issue, Naqvi sought to delegate cricket-related matters to a former cricketer.

Sources indicate that Naqvi recently contacted Akram, offering him the role of CEO or personal advisor. This position would require full-time dedication, overseeing all cricketing affairs within the PCB. 

However, Akram, who resides permanently in Karachi and frequently travels to Australia for family reasons, expressed his inability to relocate to Lahore.

Akram assured the chairman that he would remain available to support Pakistan cricket as needed, without any compensation. During their discussion, Naqvi shared his future plans for the PCB, which Akram found impressive. Following Akram's decision, PCB officials contacted another former cricket legend, Waqar Younis.

Waqar Younis, who also resides in Australia with his family, has expressed a willingness to return to Lahore. He met with Naqvi on Monday to discuss various matters, but an official announcement regarding his appointment has yet to be made. Younis has previously been associated with the PCB in various capacities, although each tenure ended on an unpleasant note.

It is worth noting that the new PCB constitution does not currently include the position of CEO, though amendments could be made to accommodate the role if necessary.