Shoaib Akhtar denies links to Pakistan chief selector role during PTV Sports appearance
On 2026-10-04 former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar dismissed reports linking him to the role of chief selector for the Pakistan men's cricket team during a live programme on PTV Sports, saying he had no interest in taking up any position with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Known as the Rawalpindi Express, Akhtar was reminded on air of earlier comments in which his mother had advised him to stay away from the PCB and Pakistani politics; the anchor cited that advice during the programme. Akhtar said he intended to follow his mother's guidance and denied any meetings with PCB officials. He is currently in Houston on a private visit. The reports about his possible appointment arose amid speculation of a major overhaul of Pakistan's coaching and selection setup.
Addressing the rumours directly, Akhtar said: "There is no such thing, and all that is being said is speculative. I stand by my statement, and I am going to stick to that advice." He also stated he had not held any discussions with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding the reported role.
Responding to assertions that he had been approached for the chief selector position, Akhtar added: "There is no truth to these claims. I am not at all interested in going to the PCB. I stand by my statement. I am hearing all this news about taking on the role of chief selector. This is all fake, and there is no truth to such claims. I just want the betterment of Pakistan cricket."
Akhtar's international record was noted during the exchange: he played 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is for Pakistan. He reiterated his willingness to help the national game outside of a formal PCB role, saying, "I would love to serve Pakistan cricket, but I think I can do it in many other ways."
Pakistani media reports had earlier claimed Akhtar met Naqvi for detailed discussions about the national team and ways to improve its fortunes, and suggested the relationship between Akhtar and Naqvi had improved in recent months; those reports also said Naqvi reached out to Akhtar following the death of his elder brother.
The PCB has made several changes to the team's leadership and support staff in recent years, with captains, coaches and selectors all being replaced at different stages.
Akhtar's public denials have effectively dismissed the speculation about his candidacy, with the former pacer making it clear he is not interested in taking up the chief selector's role and intends to adhere to his mother's advice.