Shoaib Akhter confirms being approached by PCB for major role

LAHORE: Legendary Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhter has confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approached him for a plum post, which is believed to be chairman of the selector’s post replacing Misbah ul Haq.  

“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 during a YouTube show.

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.

“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.

Akhtar however refused to divulge details of his discussions with PCB top bosses. “Yes there has been some discussions. I can reveal only this much. I have not said yes neither have PCB said yes,” he added.

READ MORE: Misbah likely to be removed as Chief Selector: report

The fast-bowler further said that if he accepted the chief selector’s job he would probably be the first player who would become bigger than the job. “I don’t like saying this but it is a fact. Look I don’t want a job and I don’t need a salary,” he remarked.

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 the same mindset that our greats like Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram or Mushtaq Muhammad had,” he concluded.