In a significant move aimed at revitalizing Pakistan’s cricketing framework, Waqar Younis, the former legendary fast bowler and captain, has officially commenced his duties as the Adviser for Cricket Affairs to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi. The appointment, which took effect on August 1, 2024, marks a new chapter in Younis’s illustrious career and in the administration of Pakistani cricket.
Waqar’s new role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including overseeing the performance and management of Pakistan’s national teams in both red-ball and white-ball formats. He will work closely with the team’s coaching staff, including head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, to ensure optimal team preparation and strategy execution. Moreover, Waqar will collaborate with the selection committee, which has been under scrutiny following recent controversies and changes.
This appointment is part of a broader effort by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to address the structural issues within the team, including internal politics and groupings, which have been identified as factors contributing to the team’s recent underperformance. Naqvi’s leadership has already seen the implementation of new criteria for player contracts, emphasizing fitness and merit as key factors for selection.
Waqar Younis’s extensive experience, both as a former player and coach, positions him as a valuable asset in navigating the complexities of modern cricket management. His tenure begins as Pakistan faces a busy schedule, including Test series against Bangladesh, England, and South Africa, along with other significant tournaments like the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The cricketing community and fans alike are hopeful that Waqar’s leadership will help steer Pakistani cricket back to its winning ways, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability within the team.
