Shoaib Akhtar appointed as advisor and brand ambassador for PCB

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been appointed to two key posts in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He will assume the role as advisor to the chairman on cricket affairs and the PCB brand ambassador, as announced by chairman Najam Sethi on Twitter.

Interestingly, Akhtar 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.

He responded positively to the announcement, saying he wanted “to take Pakistan cricket to the next level”. In another tweet, he 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”

Shoaib Akhtar has been appointed Advisor to Chairman on Cricket Affairs/Brand Ambassador PCB

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) February 16, 2018

Akhtar’s job description and scope is currently unclear, but it appears that the relationship between Akhtar and Sethi has improved significantly, as reported by Cricinfo. With the entry of Akhtar in the scene, who has been very vocal about issues that surround Pakistan cricket, things in the administrative department are expected to get interesting even if there is no clarity around his job profile so far.

He has also openly stated his reservations against the state of cricket between India and Pakistan. However, he refrained from blaming either of the boards for this issue. He had said, “It is not anyone’s fault (the BCCI or PCB). Both boards want the series to take place. It is in their interest if the series happens.”