Pakistan’s national selector Aaqib Javed has flatly denied reports that he’s about to resign or be removed from his role, calling the swirling speculation “fake news” — even as multiple outlets report PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is preparing a broader shake-up of the board’s cricket administration.
What Aaqib Actually Said
In a text message to Dawn on Tuesday night, Aaqib addressed the rumors directly and briefly: “No resignation, it’s fake news.” The denial came just a day after multiple outlets, citing internal sources, reported that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was preparing significant changes aimed at addressing Pakistan cricket’s recent decline — reportedly including the possible removal of Aaqib from his role as senior selector, and a separate possible removal of Wahab Riaz as the women’s team mentor after the Asian Games in Japan.
Aaqib’s Current Role and Why He’s Under Scrutiny
Aaqib, a member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning squad, has been a central figure in PCB decision-making over the past two years, serving both on the national selection committee and as Director of High Performance. That dual role has made him a lightning rod for criticism, with critics holding him responsible for frequent changes in coaching staff and captaincy, as well as the controversial mid-series squad overhaul during Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England.
The England Tour Fallout
The current speculation traces directly back to that tour. After Pakistan lost the second Test at Lord’s, the board sent seven players home and replaced both head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul mid-series. The move didn’t turn the series around — Pakistan went on to suffer a 3-0 whitewash and dropped to the bottom of the World Test Championship table. Selection panel colleague Misbahul Haq resigned in the aftermath of that result, though Aaqib made clear at the time that he had no intention of stepping down himself.
Aaqib has previously defended the mid-series changes, arguing the team had failed to compete and that a genuine shift in mindset was needed — a defense that hasn’t fully quieted critics given the whitewash that followed regardless.
A Detail That May Be Driving the Latest Reports
One specific thread reportedly feeding into this fresh round of speculation: white-ball coach Mike Hesson’s apparent willingness to take on oversight of the Test side as well, which may be influencing the board’s current rethink of its broader coaching and selection structure.
Final Thoughts
For now, Aaqib Javed’s position remains exactly where it was — he’s denying any resignation or removal, even as reports of a wider Naqvi-led shake-up continue to circulate. Given how quickly Pakistan cricket’s off-field situation has shifted before — the mid-series coaching changes during the England tour being the clearest recent example — this denial may not be the last word on the matter, particularly with the Asian Games and any post-tournament reshuffle still ahead.
