The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring changes across both its selection structure and men’s team support staff, with Shoaib Akhtar linked to a senior selection role while separate discussions are underway with Shaun Tait and Martin Guptill.
According to reports, Akhtar has been offered the Chief Selector position after meeting PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on September 26. The discussions initially centred on leading the selection setup but subsequently expanded after the former Pakistan fast bowler expressed interest in a broader role within the country’s cricket structure.
Akhtar linked with wider PCB role
The discussions with Akhtar come during a period of scrutiny around Pakistan’s selection structure following the Test series in England. Misbah-ul-Haq decided earlier this month to leave the selection committee after completing his notice period and also stepped away from his position as Batting Consultant at the National Cricket Academy.
Aaqib Javed, the PCB Director of High Performance and a member of the national selection committee, has also faced criticism surrounding the team’s selection and performances. Despite speculation over his position, Javed rejected suggestions that he had resigned and maintained that he had no intention of leaving.
Naqvi has called for greater emphasis on younger players and increased transparency in selection following Pakistan’s defeat in England. He also indicated that repeated underperformance should not continue to result in opportunities for players.
Akhtar has publicly criticised Pakistan’s leadership and decision-making following the England series and has previously advocated structural changes within Pakistan cricket. His discussions with the PCB have now raised the possibility of him becoming directly involved in the national setup, although the precise position and outcome of the talks remain unconfirmed.
PCB turns to Tait and Guptill for consultancy roles
Changes are also being considered within Pakistan’s coaching structure. According to a report by Geo Super, the PCB is in discussions with former Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait and former New Zealand batter Martin Guptill over separate consultancy positions with the men’s national team.
The talks follow vacancies in the bowling and fielding departments. Shane McDermott has left his position as Fielding Coach, while Ashley Noffke is set to depart as Bowling Coach following Pakistan’s Asian Games 2026 campaign. The PCB has advertised both positions as it works on the next configuration of the support staff.
Tait is being considered for a consultancy position rather than a permanent all-format coaching appointment. He previously served as Pakistan’s Bowling Coach from 2022 to 2023 and most recently held the equivalent role with Bangladesh before stepping down in June because of family commitments.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo when leaving Bangladesh, Shaun Tait, then Bangladesh Bowling Coach, said: “So, the full-time role of year-round red and white-ball cricket, my 12 months was enough and it’s time to just step back and give my family a little bit more time.”
Tait’s previous experience with Pakistan would make another appointment a return to the national team setup, this time under a different working arrangement.
Guptill discussions move forward
Guptill is being considered for the Fielding Consultant position as the PCB looks outside Pakistan for expertise in the national team’s support structure. There are strong prospects of the two sides reaching an agreement over the role.
The former New Zealand international and Tait are being approached for separate responsibilities, with the PCB considering a consultancy model as it reshapes the coaching group following the recent departures.
No final appointments have been confirmed. The ongoing discussions with Akhtar, Tait and Guptill leave the PCB considering changes across both selection and coaching as it determines the next structure around Pakistan’s men’s team.
