Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly preparing a series of radical changes aimed at arresting a recent decline in the national side’s performance. The moves, which could include the removal of senior selector Aaqib Javed and the termination of former fast‑bowler Wahab Riaz’s mentorship role, are said to be under final review as Naqvi seeks to restore confidence after a tumultuous period for Pakistan cricket.
Background to the turmoil
Pakistan’s Test team suffered a 0‑3 whitewash at Lord’s against England, a defeat that not only ended the series in disappointment but also coincided with a slide to ninth place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings. The loss prompted the PCB to take swift action, dismissing two members of the coaching staff – head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul – and sending them home along with seven players.
The series of dismissals marked the latest in a string of rapid personnel changes that have characterised the board’s response to on‑field setbacks. The decision to overhaul the coaching contingent during the England tour was reportedly motivated by the interest of white‑ball coach Mike Hesson in assuming an all‑format head‑coach position with the men’s side.
Potential removal of senior selector Aaqib Javed
According to a report cited by PTI, Naqvi is now set to extend the reshuffle to the national selection committee. An internal source indicated that Aaqib Javed, who served as senior selector and was the architect of the controversial Test squad changes earlier this month, is likely to be released from his duties.
Javed’s role in the recent squad overhaul drew criticism after the Lord’s defeat, during which seven players and two coaches were recalled to Pakistan. Critics have also highlighted Javed’s history of frequent alterations to both coaching staff and captaincy assignments, arguing that such instability may have contributed to the team’s poor performance.
“Even Mohsin Naqvi has now realised that some radical measures are required to end the losing streak and abrupt happenings in Pakistan cricket. So these changes are now on the cards,” the source said, underscoring the urgency felt by the board’s leadership.
Wahab Riaz’s mentorship role also under review
In addition to Javed, former fast‑bowler Wahab Riaz, who currently serves as a mentor for the women’s national side, is expected to see his contract terminated after the conclusion of the Asian Games campaign in Japan later this month. Riaz’s position, like Javed’s, appears to be part of a broader effort by the PCB to streamline its coaching and support structures.
The Asian Games, scheduled to finish before the end of the month, will be the last major tournament in which Riaz is slated to be involved. Sources suggest that his release will be timed to coincide with the board’s larger strategic review of coaching appointments across both men’s and women’s programs.
Coaching negotiations and Mike Hesson’s conditions
While the selection committee faces potential overhaul, the PCB is simultaneously engaged in discussions with foreign coaches to fill the head‑coach vacancy for the women’s team after the Asian Games. The board’s interest in hiring an overseas specialist reflects a desire to inject new ideas and expertise into the women’s setup.
Mike Hesson, the current white‑ball coach, has expressed willingness to take on the all‑format head‑coach role for the men’s side, but he has stipulated clear conditions. Hesson has asked for a definitive timeframe for his appointment and assurances that his decision‑making will be free from board interference. The PCB is said to be negotiating these terms as part of its broader restructuring plan.
“Naqvi will soon hold a high‑level meeting with his aides and also take the governing board members into confidence before final decisions are made on the changes,” the source added, indicating that a formal decision‑making process is imminent.
Implications for Pakistan cricket
If the reported changes materialise, the PCB will have executed one of the most extensive personnel overhauls in recent memory. The removal of a senior selector who oversaw the recent Test squad revamp, coupled with the departure of a mentor from the women’s program, signals a willingness by the board’s leadership to confront criticism head‑on.
Stakeholders within Pakistani cricket have long debated the impact of frequent coaching and selection changes on team cohesion. Proponents of stability argue that continuity allows players to adapt to a clear game plan, while opponents contend that underperformance necessitates decisive action. Naqvi’s reported impatience suggests that the board is leaning toward the latter philosophy.
Furthermore, the potential appointment of a foreign head coach for the men’s side could mark a strategic shift, aligning Pakistan’s approach with that of other leading cricketing nations that have turned to overseas expertise to revitalize their programs.
As the board prepares for a high‑level meeting, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see whether the proposed changes are implemented swiftly and whether they translate into improved performances on the field. The outcome of the Asian Games, the timing of Hesson’s possible promotion, and the final decision on Aaqib Javed’s future will all play pivotal roles in shaping the next chapter of Pakistan cricket.
In the coming days, the PCB is expected to communicate its final decisions to both the media and the cricketing fraternity, setting the stage for a new era that aims to halt the recent losing streak and restore the nation’s standing in the international arena.
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