Photo: Collected
Shoaib Akhtar had come under fresh discussion in Pakistan cricket. Rumours had spread that the country’s former star pacer was going to take up a role at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as chief selector of the national team. However, he has flatly rejected that report.
Recently, after widespread discussion and criticism in Pakistan cricket surrounding the England tour, various reports about possible changes began to surface. Amid this, rumours spread about making Shoaib Akhtar the chief selector. However, in an interview given to a Pakistani television channel, the former pacer made it clear that the board has had no discussion at all with him about taking up any role at the PCB.
Rather, 51-year-old Shoaib again brought up his mother’s advice about staying away from such responsibilities. The presenter reminded him that he had earlier said his mother had told him to stay away from the PCB and Pakistan’s politics.
In reply, Shoaib said, ‘Nothing of the sort is happening. Everything that is being said is speculative. I stand by my statement and will stand by that advice (of my mother). There is no truth to these claims. I do not have the slightest interest in going to the PCB. I too have heard all these reports about taking up the role of chief selector. But these are all fake and there is no truth to such claims. I only want the good of Pakistan cricket.’
It is clear from his statement that although he has the desire to work with Pakistan cricket, it is not by holding any formal post in the PCB. He also said there has been no discussion with the board on this matter.
Shoaib is currently on holiday abroad. Amid the rumours, he said there is scope to contribute to the country’s cricket even without working with the board. He said, ‘Of course I want to serve Pakistan cricket, but I think I can do that in many other ways.’
As a result, he himself put an end to the rumours that had arisen about Shoaib Akhtar joining the PCB.
