The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly preparing for a major overhaul following a difficult period for Pakistan cricket, with chairman Mohsin Naqvi expected to take several important decisions regarding the national team structure. Among the names facing a possible exit are senior selector Aaqib Javed and former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who has been working with the women's national team.
According to recent reports, the PCB is considering significant changes to its selection and coaching structures after a series of disappointing results involving both the men's and women's teams. However, the proposed changes have not been officially confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, and the reported departures should therefore be treated as developments under consideration rather than completed decisions.
Aaqib Javed is one of the senior figures who could be affected by the proposed restructuring. The former Pakistan fast bowler has been involved in the national team's selection and coaching setup and has played an important role in several decisions concerning the men's side.
The possibility of Aaqib's removal comes after growing criticism of Pakistan's recent performances and the management of the team. The men's side has faced a difficult period, including problems during its recent tour of England. Pakistan's struggles have raised questions about selection policies, coaching decisions and the overall direction of the national setup.
The England tour intensified the pressure surrounding Pakistan cricket. The team suffered heavy defeats and underwent major changes during the series. Several players were sent home during the tour, while changes were also made to the coaching structure. The developments generated considerable criticism and increased scrutiny of the PCB's decision-making process.
The reported restructuring could extend beyond the men's team. Wahab Riaz, another former Pakistan international, is also reportedly facing a possible change in his current role. Wahab has been working as a mentor with the Pakistan women's team and could be released along with members of the coaching staff after the Asian Games in Japan, according to reports.
Wahab has previously held important administrative responsibilities within Pakistan cricket. He served as the national team's chief selector before being removed from the selection committee in 2024. His continued involvement with the women's team placed him in another administrative and support role within the PCB structure.
The potential changes come at a time when Pakistan cricket is facing concerns across both men's and women's teams. While the men's side has struggled to produce consistent results, the women's setup has also come under scrutiny following recent performances and internal questions surrounding team management.
The PCB's reported plan appears to involve more than simply replacing individual officials. The board is considering changes to different parts of the cricket structure, including selection and coaching responsibilities. The objective would be to create a more effective system and improve the performance of Pakistan's national teams.
Mohsin Naqvi is expected to play a central role in determining the next steps. Since becoming PCB chairman, Naqvi has overseen several changes to Pakistan's cricket administration and team structures. The latest reported plans would represent another significant intervention in the national cricket setup.
Pakistan's recent problems have also renewed discussion about the stability of its cricket administration. The team has experienced repeated changes in coaches, selectors and leadership structures in recent years. Critics have argued that frequent changes can make it difficult for players and support staff to work under a consistent long-term plan.
The situation became particularly complicated during the England series. Pakistan made major changes to its squad and coaching setup while the tour was still underway. The decision to send several players home created further debate about the management of the national team. An internal disciplinary inquiry was also launched following concerns surrounding the team's operations.
The proposed removal of Aaqib Javed would therefore be another major change in Pakistan's selection structure. As a former international cricketer with coaching experience, Aaqib has been closely involved in the team's development and selection process. His potential departure would likely lead to questions about who could take over his responsibilities and how the selection committee would be reorganised.
Similarly, any decision involving Wahab Riaz could result in further changes to the women's team's support structure. The PCB would need to determine whether his responsibilities would be transferred to another official or whether the mentoring arrangement itself would be revised.
The reports have also linked the possible reshuffle to discussions surrounding the coaching setup. Mike Hesson, who is involved with Pakistan's limited-overs coaching structure, has reportedly been considered for a red-ball coaching role. Any decision in this area could influence the wider restructuring of the national team.
The PCB is therefore facing several interconnected decisions. Changes to selectors, coaches and support staff could have an impact on how the national teams prepare for upcoming international assignments. At the same time, the board will need to ensure that any restructuring provides stability rather than creating another cycle of frequent changes.
Pakistan has traditionally been known for producing talented cricketers across formats. However, recent results have raised concerns about whether the country's cricket system is making the best use of its available talent. The debate has increasingly shifted from individual players to the broader administrative and development structure.
The men's team's recent struggles have been particularly significant because of the expectations surrounding Pakistan cricket. The country has a long history of success in international cricket, including its 1992 World Cup triumph, 2009 T20 World Cup victory and 2017 Champions Trophy title. Recent inconsistency has therefore generated strong reactions among supporters and former players.
The women's team is also an important part of the PCB's future plans. The board has been working to strengthen the women's domestic and international structure, but inconsistent results have continued to create pressure on administrators and coaching staff.
Any decision to remove Aaqib Javed or Wahab Riaz would need to be followed by clarity over their replacements and responsibilities. Simply changing personnel may not resolve the broader issues unless the PCB also establishes a clear long-term strategy for selection, coaching, player development and performance management.
For now, the reported departures remain possibilities rather than confirmed decisions. The PCB has not publicly announced that either Aaqib Javed or Wahab Riaz has been removed from their respective roles. Further announcements from the board will be required before the changes can be considered official.
The situation is being closely watched because the proposed overhaul could influence the direction of Pakistan cricket over the coming months. The selection committee, coaching staff and national teams are all expected to be part of discussions about how the system can be improved.
For Mohsin Naqvi, the latest developments represent another major test of his leadership of the PCB. The chairman will face pressure to ensure that any restructuring addresses the team's underlying problems while also providing players and coaches with a stable environment.
Pakistan cricket's current situation has already prompted widespread debate about accountability and long-term planning. The reported changes involving Aaqib Javed and Wahab Riaz could become the next stage of that process.
As the PCB considers its options, the immediate focus will be on whether the reported changes are formally approved and who could replace the officials affected by the restructuring. Until official announcements are made, the reported exits should be viewed as possibilities rather than confirmed sackings.
The proposed shake-up nevertheless underlines the seriousness of the situation within Pakistan cricket. With both men's and women's teams facing performance-related pressure, the PCB is expected to make decisions aimed at improving team management, selection and overall results.