LAHORE – Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been appointed to two key posts – advisor to the chairman on cricket affairs and the PCB brand ambassador – in the Pakistan Cricket Board, chairman Najam Sethi announced on Saturday.
Akhtar, 42, has been known to be critical of Najam Sethi in the past during his time as chairman. In 2013, he said that Pakistan cricket had deteriorated under Sethi, and that he needed to understand he was now “a chairman and not a TV anchor”.
In 2015, after Pakistan’s heavy defeat to West Indies in the World Cup, Akhtar laid blame on Sethi and the entire PCB management. Moreover, in his own 14-year long cricket career, he had several clashes with the PCB as a player.
Shoaib Akhtar has been appointed Advisor to Chairman on Cricket Affairs/Brand Ambassador PCB
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) February 16, 2018
However, following the latest appointment, Akhtar responded positively to the announcement, saying he wanted “to take Pakistan cricket to the next level”.
In another tweet, the ‘Pindi Express’ said “Am honored to be chosen for these positions in @TheRealPCB ,will work with same passion as i did when playing. Thank you once again! #ShoaibAkhtar #PCB #BrandAmbassador #Advisor”
Am honored to be chosen for these positions in @TheRealPCB ,will work with same passion as i did when playing.Thank you once again!#ShoaibAkhtar #PCB #BrandAmbassador #Advisor
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 16, 2018
Akhtar’s job description and scope is currently unclear.
Shoaib Akhtar is considered one of the fastest bowlers in the world during his international career that spanned 14 years.