Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that he is in talks with the country’s cricket board over a potential role in the organization, saying that he is ready to put his neck on the line for PCB.
As per the recent reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board is planning to remove current head coach Misbah ul Haq from his position as the chief selector, and Akhtar has been lined as a replacement.
Speaking during a YouTube show “Cricket Baaz”, Akhtar said, “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.”
Misbah-ul-Haq’s dual responsibility of being the head coach as well as the chief selector has time and again been a subject of conflict, and per the new code of ethics policy (another name of Conflict of Interest), the PCB might be forced to rope in a new member in the board.
The former pacer decided not to bulge into the details, but did say that the talks are on. "Yes, there has been some discussions. I can reveal only this much but nothing concrete as yet. But talks are still on. I have not said “yes” neither have they (PCB) said “yes”."
"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. People want jobs and they come for salaries but I don’t need the money."
He further added that if he does get the job, he will work on creating ‘a pool of players from the new generation’ and match-winners like Wasim Akram and Javed Miandad.
“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.”
“We need to start having players who have the same mindset that our greats like Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram or Mushtaq Muhammad had.
“The fast bowlers should not have muscular gym-toned bodies but ones that is cricket specific. I want to have 15 players who are brands and stars and this can only be possible if they feel secure and can win matches with their performances.”
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Jewel Samad
