Following Pakistan’s disastrous ICC Champions Trophy performance, significant changes are anticipated within the national cricket team, including potential sackings and signings. The team, under Mohammad Rizwan, finished without a win, resulting in only one point after losses to New Zealand and India, plus a washed-out game against Bangladesh. In discussions about leadership, Wasim Akram expressed skepticism about a foreign chairman for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), while Ajay Jadeja humorously indicated his connection to Akram, emphasizing the need for better cricket development rather than administrative successes. The tournament sees India progressing to the semi-finals as Pakistan exits.
Ajay Jadeja and Wasim Akram in the DP World Dressing Room© YouTube
A fresh wave of changes is anticipated in the Pakistan cricket scene, with potential dismissals and signings on the horizon following the national team’s poor showing in the ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan exited the tournament without securing a single victory, recording defeats to New Zealand and India, along with a washed-out match against Bangladesh, leaving Mohammad Rizwan’s team with just one point.
Significant alterations in the selection committee, coaching staff, and team personnel are highly likely, but remarkable moments occurred in the DP World Dressing Room after a fan proposed a foreign candidate for the role of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman.
“It’s a role that attracts considerable attention. Daily press conferences are a staple, so I doubt the board would welcome a foreign name for the chairman’s position,” Wasim Akram remarked in response to a fan’s inquiry, explaining why appointing an outsider is improbable.
Waqar Younis then gestured towards Ajay Jadeja for that position, suggesting he qualifies as a foreign candidate. The former Indian cricketer swiftly responded with humor.
“Wasim bhai ke bacche hain, mere bhi hain (Wasim Akram has kids, I do too…),” Jadeja quipped, breaking into laughter. Akram had previously mentioned that he couldn’t assume such a role within the Pakistan team as he prefers to remain close to his family.
“The job encompasses both administrative and sporting dimensions, which can be distinct. Fans and the public aren’t concerned about the board’s profits or stadium developments. They want to see how cricket will progress for them and future players,” Jadeja elaborated.
Jadeja has been in Pakistan over the past few weeks, mingling with top figures in Pakistani cricket as a commentator for the Champions Trophy. Although the Pakistan team has already been eliminated from the tournament, India has successfully reached the semi-finals.
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