Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has laid out a bold and sweeping vision for revamping Pakistan cricket, declaring that if he were appointed chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he would implement a 20-member selection committee and guarantee players a one-year rope to prove themselves. Speaking during a candid interview on a local sports channel, Akhtar said the current system lacks consistency, transparency, and long-term planning—factors he believes are critical to restoring Pakistan’s cricketing dominance.
Akhtar’s comments come in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing performances in recent ICC tournaments and bilateral series, where frequent changes in squad composition, coaching staff, and selection policies have drawn criticism from fans and former players alike. The Rawalpindi Express, known for his fiery pace and outspoken views, said Pakistan cricket needs “a complete mindset shift” and “institutional stability” to move forward.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Vision – Key Reforms Proposed
| Reform Area | Proposed Change | Intended Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Committee | 20-member panel with regional representation | Inclusive, merit-based selection |
| Player Backing Policy | One-year minimum backing for selected players | Stability, confidence-building |
| Domestic Structure | Revamp with more competitive fixtures | Talent development, match readiness |
| Coaching Setup | Appoint specialists, not recycled names | Tactical depth, modern training |
| Accountability Mechanism | Transparent performance reviews | Reduced favoritism, clear benchmarks |
Akhtar emphasized that a large selection committee would ensure regional voices are heard and reduce the influence of personal biases. “We need selectors from every zone—Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad. Let cricket people decide cricket matters,” he said.
He also criticized the current trend of dropping players after one or two poor games, arguing that such practices destroy morale and hinder development. “Give a player one full year. Let him fail, learn, and grow. That’s how you build a team,” Akhtar asserted.
Pakistan Cricket – Recent Selection Instability
| Series / Tournament | Number of Changes in Playing XI | Key Players Dropped / Recalled | Result / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup 2023 | 5 | Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan | Group stage exit |
| ICC World Cup 2023 | 7 | Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq | Failed to reach semi-finals |
| Australia Tour 2024 | 6 | Sarfaraz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed | Lost 3-0 |
| England Series 2025 | 4 | Haris Rauf, Shan Masood | Drawn 2-2 |
Akhtar’s proposal to give players a one-year rope has found support among former cricketers like Mohammad Yousuf and Rashid Latif, who have long advocated for continuity in selection. “You can’t build a team if you keep chopping and changing. Shoaib is right—back your players,” Yousuf said in a social media post.
The former pacer also called for a revamp of Pakistan’s domestic cricket, suggesting a return to departmental cricket alongside regional competitions. He believes this would provide financial security to players and create a more competitive environment.
Domestic Cricket Revamp – Akhtar’s Blueprint
| Component | Current Status | Proposed Change | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Teams | 6 major teams | Expand to 12 with zonal divisions | Wider talent pool |
| Departmental Cricket | Suspended since 2019 | Reinstate with corporate backing | Job security, player retention |
| Match Frequency | Limited fixtures | Increase to 40+ matches per season | Match fitness, skill refinement |
| Talent Scouting | Ad-hoc trials | Structured zonal scouting camps | Early identification of talent |
Akhtar also stressed the need for specialized coaching staff, including separate batting, bowling, and fielding coaches with international experience. “We keep recycling the same names. Bring in fresh minds who understand modern cricket,” he said.
He proposed a performance-based review system for coaches and selectors, with quarterly evaluations and public disclosures. “If you’re not delivering, you’re out. No politics, no favoritism,” Akhtar added.
Public Sentiment – Shoaib Akhtar’s PCB Blueprint
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.6M mentions | 84% supportive | #ShoaibAkhtarPlan #FixPakCricket |
| 1.2M interactions | 78% optimistic | #PCBReform #AkhtarVision | |
| YouTube | 980K views | 82% analytical | #PakistanCricketFuture #AkhtarTalks |
| 860K views | 85% celebratory | #CricketReboot #AkhtarLeadership |
While Akhtar has not formally expressed interest in the PCB chairman role, his detailed blueprint has sparked conversations across cricketing circles. Fans have hailed his clarity and passion, while some insiders believe his ideas could be incorporated into future governance reforms.
The PCB has yet to respond to Akhtar’s comments, but sources suggest that the board is considering structural changes ahead of the 2026 ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host.
As Pakistan cricket continues to search for consistency and identity, Shoaib Akhtar’s vision offers a roadmap rooted in merit, patience, and accountability. Whether or not he takes the reins, his proposals have already ignited a national conversation on how to fix Pakistan cricket—once and for all.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, media reports, and verified cricketing data. It does not constitute official PCB policy or endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
