Following Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy, where they failed to secure a win, major changes are anticipated in the cricketing setup, including alterations in the selection committee and coaching staff. The team’s performance has prompted discussions about the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) leadership, with fans suggesting a foreign chairman. Wasim Akram expressed skepticism about this idea, while Ajay Jadeja humorously acknowledged their shared roles as fathers. Jadeja emphasized the need for a focus on cricket development rather than administrative matters, as he has been engaging with prominent figures in Pakistan cricket during the tournament.
Ajay Jadeja and Wasim Akram in the DP World Dressing Room© YouTube
A new round of changes is anticipated within the Pakistan cricket scene, as sackings and new signings loom large following the national team’s dismal showing in the ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan was knocked out of the tournament without securing a single victory. The team suffered defeats against New Zealand and India, followed by a rain-affected match against Bangladesh, leaving Mohammad Rizwan’s side with just one point.
There are strong possibilities of shifts in the selection committee, coaching staff, and team personnel. However, notable moments unfolded in the DP World Dressing Room after a fan proposed the idea of appointing a foreign individual for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman position.
“It’s a role that draws significant attention. Daily press conferences make it unlikely that the board would consider a foreign candidate for the chairman position,” Wasim Akram remarked when the question was raised by a fan on the platform, emphasizing the challenges of appointing an outsider.
Waqar Younis then pointed to Ajay Jadeja as a possible candidate for such a role, suggesting that he fits the description of a foreign person. The former India cricketer responded humorously.
“Wasim bhai ke bacche hain, mere bhi hain (Wasim Akram has kids, and so do I…),” Jadeja quipped, bursting into laughter. Akram had previously mentioned that he couldn’t assume such a role with the Pakistan team, as he wished to remain close to his family.
“The position has two facets: the administrative and the sporting. They can be divided. Fans and the public don’t care about how much profit the board generates or how the stadiums are developed. What they want to see is the progression of their cricket and future players,” Jadeja elaborated.
Jadeja has spent time in Pakistan over the last few weeks, engaging with the country’s cricket luminaries as a pundit for the Champions Trophy. While Pakistan has already been eliminated from the tournament, India has successfully qualified for the semi-finals.
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