The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is once again facing harsh criticism from former players, analysts, and fans after the recent appointment of Kamran Akmal to the men’s national team management group. Several senior voices have termed the decision “illogical, unprofessional, and reflecting lack of seriousness” as Pakistan cricket continues its rebuilding phase post a string of humiliating defeats in international cricket.
What Is The Controversy?
Kamran Akmal, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter known for his aggressive batting yet widely criticised wicketkeeping, was appointed as a consultant to the national team’s batting and keeping department for the upcoming Test and T20I assignments. The PCB announcement highlighted his domestic coaching exposure and experience of playing over 50 Tests and 150 ODIs for Pakistan.
However, the cricket fraternity did not hold back in questioning this move.
Strong Criticism From Former Players
Rashid Latif (Former Pakistan Captain and Keeper)
“Appointments should be merit-based with a clear coaching background. Kamran has never coached at the elite international level. PCB is gambling with player careers.”
Mohammad Yousuf (Former batting coach)
“Where is the seriousness? We need technical experts, not random former players who were themselves not technically sound in their roles.”
Waqar Younis (Former Head Coach)
“This is unprofessional. Pakistan cricket is not a lab for experiments based on friendships or lobbying.”
Why Is PCB Under Fire?
Critics point to multiple concerns:
- No formal elite coaching certification for Kamran Akmal from PCB, ACC, or ICC.
- His own keeping technique and international record came under severe criticism during his career, especially for dropped catches in crucial matches.
- PCB’s tendency to appoint former players without coaching credentials is seen as a barrier to modernisation and structured player development.
Kamran Akmal’s Career Snapshot
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Dismissals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 53 | 2648 | 30.79 | 206 |
| ODIs | 157 | 3236 | 26.09 | 182 |
| T20Is | 58 | 987 | 21.18 | 60 |
While his batting was impactful in phases, his wicketkeeping consistency was regularly questioned.
PCB’s Official Justification
PCB High-Performance Director Mohammad Hafeez defended the move:
“Kamran understands modern batting approach and is closely involved in domestic cricket. His mentorship will be beneficial for young players.”
However, this has not convinced critics who accuse PCB of:
- Appointing based on personal networks rather than structured evaluation.
- Overlooking highly qualified Level 3 and Level 4 coaches with proven track records.
- Failing to build a professional backroom staff in line with top cricketing nations.
Fan Backlash On Social Media
On X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, Pakistani fans voiced disappointment:
- “We keep repeating old mistakes. Where is merit?”
- “Kamran Akmal as keeping coach is like appointing a tail-ender as batting consultant.”
- “Nepotism, favouritism, unprofessionalism. Sums up PCB.”
Cricket Analyst Reactions
Shoaib Akhtar (Former pacer)
“I love Kamran as a friend, but this is not about friendship. It’s about technical capacity and modern game requirements.”
Atif Nawaz (Pakistani cricket presenter)
“This appointment again shows why Pakistan cricket struggles to implement a structured, performance-driven coaching ecosystem.”
PCB’s Recent Controversial Decisions
This appointment comes amid other controversial PCB decisions in 2025:
- Frequent captaincy changes between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
- Mickey Arthur’s dual role fiasco, leading to team confusion.
- Random selection committee reshuffles, affecting squad stability.
- Failure to appoint a permanent head coach post World Cup 2024 exit.
Will PCB Review The Appointment?
Despite the uproar, insiders indicate PCB is unlikely to reverse the appointment, viewing it as a short-term consultancy role. However, several senior officials have urged Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to:
- Establish a transparent coaching appointment framework,
- Conduct formal eligibility and performance evaluations,
- Prioritise qualified technical experts with proven results in modern cricket.
Final Takeaway
The backlash over Kamran Akmal’s appointment reflects a deeper malaise within Pakistan cricket administration. With former players, analysts, and fans united in criticism, PCB’s challenge remains to move beyond ad-hoc decisions and build a professional, merit-based high-performance structure if it truly aims to reclaim its lost stature in world cricket.
Disclaimer: All quotes are sourced from official interviews, press conferences, and player statements reported in Pakistani sports media as of July 4, 2025.
