Waqar Younis to Oversee Cricket Affairs as Mohsin Naqvi Focuses on Administrative Matters
In a strategic move to enhance the operational efficiency of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to share his powers with former Pakistani pacer Waqar Younis. Sources revealed to Geo News on Tuesday that Younis will take on significant responsibilities related to cricket affairs, allowing Naqvi to concentrate on administrative matters, including preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host.
Waqar Younis, a revered figure in Pakistani cricket, will now hold authority over various aspects of the sport. His role will encompass oversight of international and domestic cricket matters, the selection committee, and the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players. This delegation of responsibilities is aimed at leveraging Younis’s deep cricketing expertise to make impactful decisions and drive improvements in the sport.
The decision aligns with the provisions of the PCB Constitution 2014, which permits the chairman to delegate his powers. By appointing Younis to these critical roles, Naqvi is effectively ensuring that cricketing decisions are made by someone with substantial experience and insight into the game. Younis’s appointment reflects Naqvi’s vision of involving seasoned cricketers in key aspects of the sport’s administration.
Naqvi’s decision to delegate these responsibilities comes at a crucial time as the PCB gears up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan between February and March 2025. With Naqvi also serving as the Interior Minister of Pakistan, his focus on administrative matters is essential for managing both the board’s day-to-day operations and major events.
In addition to Younis’s new role, Naqvi has been actively engaging with current and former cricketers to discuss the future of cricket in Pakistan. Earlier this month, Naqvi met with more than two dozen cricketers to gather insights and suggestions on improving the sport. The discussions highlighted several areas for development, and Naqvi assured that many of the cricketers’ suggestions would be implemented.
One of the key suggestions from former Test cricketer Yasir Hameed was the establishment of cricket academies in Islamabad and Peshawar. Naqvi has committed to enhancing the standard of cricket grounds and prioritizing four-day cricket. The PCB chairman also emphasized the importance of upgrading coaching standards by investing in better education for coaches and hiring qualified professionals.
Furthermore, Naqvi has announced plans to form five domestic teams, each of which will be supported by both coaches and mentors. This move is expected to bolster the domestic cricket structure and provide more opportunities for young talent to develop and showcase their skills.
The reshuffling of responsibilities within the PCB, with Younis focusing on cricket-related decisions and Naqvi managing administrative duties, represents a strategic approach to strengthening the board’s operations and improving Pakistan’s cricketing landscape. This organizational shift aims to create a more effective governance structure and ensure that both the sport’s administrative and cricketing aspects are managed efficiently.
Overall, Naqvi’s approach to involving senior cricketers like Waqar Younis in the board’s decision-making process reflects a broader commitment to enhancing the quality and management of cricket in Pakistan. With these changes, the PCB is positioning itself to navigate upcoming challenges effectively and capitalize on new opportunities within the sport.
