National selector Aaqib Javed on Tuesday rejected reports of his impending resignation or removal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as “fake news” amid ongoing speculation about a major shake-up in the board’s cricket administration.
In a text-based correspondence with Dawn on Tuesday night, the former Pakistan fast bowler said the stories circulating in the media about his exit were baseless. “No resignation, it’s fake news,” Aaqib wrote.
The comments come a day after multiple outlets, citing internal sources, reported that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was preparing radical changes to stem Pakistan’s recent decline. These included the potential release of Aaqib from his role as senior selector and the possible removal of Wahab Riaz as mentor of the women’s team after the Asian Games in Japan.
Aaqib, a member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning side, has been a central figure in PCB decision-making over the past two years. He serves on the national selection committee and as director of high performance.
Critics have held him responsible for frequent changes in coaching staff and captaincy, as well as the controversial mid-series overhaul during the recent Test tour of England.
After Pakistan lost the second Test at Lord’s, the board sent seven players home and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. The side ultimately suffered a 3-0 whitewash and dropped to the bottom of the World Test Championship table. Selection panel colleague Misbahul Haq resigned in the aftermath, but Aaqib had earlier made clear he had no intention of stepping down.
Reports have suggested that white-ball coach Mike Hesson’s willingness to oversee the Test side may have influenced the latest rethink. Aaqib has previously defended the England changes, arguing the team had failed to compete and that a shift in mindset was required.
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