Chairman of the national cricket team’s selection committee Aaqib Javed has rejected reports that he has resigned from his position or been removed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Speaking to the English daily Dawn, Aaqib Javed termed the reports baseless and said that the news regarding his resignation was not true.
In a brief response, the chairman of the selection committee said, “No resignation, this is fake news.”
Reports of major changes in PCB
Aaqib Javed’s statement comes at a time when several media outlets, citing sources, reported that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is preparing major changes to the board’s administrative structure following the Pakistan cricket team’s recent poor performance.
According to the reports, the possible changes included Aaqib Javed being removed from the position of chairman of the selection committee.
In addition, it was also reported that women’s cricket team mentor Wahab Riaz could be removed from his position after the Asian Games in Japan.
However, Aaqib Javed has now rejected reports of his resignation or departure from his position, calling them fake.
Aaqib Javed’s role in PCB
Former Pakistan fast bowler and member of the 1992 World Cup-winning squad Aaqib Javed has played a prominent role in important decisions of the Pakistan Cricket Board over the past two years.
Along with serving as chairman of the selection committee, he is also performing duties as director of high performance. He has also faced criticism from critics over repeated changes in the coaching staff and captains.
Important decisions and changes made during the Test series in the middle of the recent tour of England were also linked to his role.
What happened on the England tour?
After Pakistan suffered a defeat in the second Test at Lord’s, the Pakistan Cricket Board sent seven players back home. Along with this, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also replaced.
Pakistan later suffered a 0-3 whitewash in the Test series and dropped to the last position in the World Test Championship points table.
Following this situation, selection panel member Misbah-ul-Haq resigned. However, Aaqib Javed had earlier made it clear that he had no intention of resigning.
Defence of changes against England
Aaqib Javed had earlier also defended the decisions taken during the Test series against England.
He had maintained that the team had failed to compete and that there was a need for a change in thinking and approach in this situation.
According to recent reports, white-ball coach Mike Hesson’s willingness to take charge of the Test team could also be one of the reasons for the PCB to reconsider its administrative structure.