‘This is all fake’: Akhtar dismisses reports of taking up role in Naqvi-led PCB

Shoaib Akhtar-Mohsin Naqvi

Shoaib Akhtar has dismissed reports linking him with the role of Pakistan’s chief selector, making it clear that he has no interest in taking up any position with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).Speculation around a major overhaul of Pakistan’s coaching and selection setup has intensified since Babar Azam’s side suffered a 0-3 defeat in the three-match Test series against England.

Amid the reports of possible changes, Akhtar had been tipped for a key role in the selection committee.

However, speaking during a live programme on PTV Sports, the former Pakistan fast bowler rejected the claims.The anchor reminded Akhtar of his earlier comments that his mother had advised him to stay away from the PCB and Pakistani politics. Asked directly about the latest reports, Akhtar said: “There is no such thing, and all that is being said is speculative.

I stand by my statement, and I am going to stick to that advice.”“There is no truth to these claims. I am not at all interested in going to the PCB. I stand by my statement. I am hearing all this news about taking on the role of chief selector. This is all fake, and there is no truth to such claims. I just want the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” he added.Akhtar also said he has not held any discussions with the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB over the reported appointment.

The former pacer is currently in Houston on a private visit.

‘Many other ways’

Despite ruling out any formal association with the PCB, Akhtar said he remains keen to contribute to Pakistan cricket and believes he can do so without taking up an official position.

“I would love to serve Pakistan cricket, but I think I can do it in many other ways," Akhtar said.Akhtar, who played 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is for Pakistan, has remained away from an official role with the board.The reports had earlier claimed that Akhtar met PCB chairman Naqvi for detailed discussions about the national team and ways to improve its fortunes. They also suggested that the relationship between the two had improved in recent months.According to those reports, Naqvi had reached out to Akhtar following the death of the former pacer’s elder brother. The developments had fuelled speculation that Akhtar could return to the Pakistan cricket setup in an official capacity.Akhtar, however, has now categorically denied any such move and reiterated that he has no plans to join the PCB.