Wasim Akram declines PCB’s offer of the CEO’s position citing familial commitments

Wasim Akram had lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during the T20 World Cup 2024 after the USA and India each handed out a heartbreaking defeat to Pakistan. The veteran had called out the uncertainty within the board and the team and demanded a revamp. Now, the former pacer has reportedly declined an offer from PCB for a position on the board. The apex board is seeking a formidable figure to lead the cricketing matters going forward.

According to reports from Cricket Pakistan, he was approached to serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or advisor to the chairman. The 58-year-old, however, sought familial commitments and declined the role at PCB which is based out of Lahore. Incidentally, Akram resides in Karachi and frequently travels to Australia.

The move from PCB came as Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is under immense pressure with criticism coming in from all corners on his lack of full commitment to cricketing matters. For the unversed, Naqvi also serves as the Federal Minister of Interior.

“Enough is enough! Done! Bring in new kids, make a new Pakistan team. The entire Pakistan community back home and here (in the US) is depressed. They were celebrating that we are winning (against India), after a long time, that too against such a big team. But they (Pakistan team) said ‘no, we don’t want to win come what may’,” Akram had said after Pakistan’s defeat to India.

After Akram’s refusal, PCB reached out to Waqar Younis, who resides in Australia, for the same position. The former Pakistan coach has reportedly shown interest in handling the responsibilities and also agreed to return to Lahore for further developments. There has been no position of CEO as such up until now in the constitution, but with an amendment, it can make its way.