Renowned former Pakistani fast bowler, Waqar Younis is currently the front-runner to assume the role of Director of Cricket for Pakistan. The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, fully supports this decision and holds the ex-cricketer in high esteem.
Aside from his illustrious cricketing career, Waqar boasts a rich coaching background. He initially took on the role of Pakistan’s bowling coach in 2006.
Since then, he has had four separate tenures as the bowling coach for Pakistan and has also served as the head coach on two occasions. The 52-year-old has also imparted his coaching expertise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the IPL.
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His extensive experience as both a player and coach has led the PCB chairman to consider him for the Director position.
The current atmosphere within the Pakistan training camp is less than ideal. Their disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has added to the existing turmoil, prompting the PCB to seek significant changes.
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Naqvi’s perspective on Waqar’s potential appointment as Director of Cricket
Per information disclosed by a reliable source within the PCB to PTI, Naqvi has learned from other cricketing boards worldwide that entrusting a former player and cricketing legend with overseeing all aspects of men’s cricket is a prudent decision.
Waqar’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of the game position him as the ideal candidate to assume the role of Director.
Waqar Younis is a leading contender to be entrusted with the complete responsibility of managing men’s cricket, including collaborating with foreign head coaches, national selectors, and domestic cricket departments, the source revealed.
The source further mentioned that Naqvi intends to distribute the powers related to cricket rather than centralize them, allowing other former players to contribute to certain matters. Even the issues concerning the international schedule will be overseen by the Director.
Naqvi’s current focus is on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. However, the participation of India in the tournament remains uncertain, as the BCCI is hesitant to send the team to Pakistan due to strained political relations between the two neighboring nations.
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