LAHORE: Following another disappointing Test series defeat to Bangladesh last month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appears set to make fresh changes to the national team’s setup, with key decisions expected by the end of this week.
A crucial meeting is likely to be held at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, where PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will receive a detailed briefing from the team management, including captain Shan Masood, the coaching staff and high-performance director Aaqib Javed on Pakistan’s latest Test series loss.
According to several reports, Shan is likely to be replaced as Test captain by T20 International skipper Salman Ali Agha. Former captain and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is also being considered for a key role in the PCB’s cricket structure, most likely as director of international cricket.
Although Pakistan won 27 of the 46 matches and lost 17 under Salman’s leadership, his individual performances as an all-rounder have remained below expectations. The additional responsibility of Test captaincy could further increase the burden on him.
The post of director of international cricket has remained vacant since Usman Wahla was removed from the position several months ago. However, the PCB has yet to advertise the vacancy on its official website.
Likewise, no permanent director of domestic cricket has been appointed since Abdullah Khurram Niazi was transferred to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). At present, the department is being run by two senior general managers. There are also unconfirmed reports that Abdullah continues to handle domestic cricket affairs as a consultant to the PCB chairman, though the board’s media department has not confirmed the claim.
Shan, who was appointed Test captain in 2023 by then PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf, has struggled to deliver results. Pakistan have played 16 Tests under his leadership and lost 12 of them.
The PCB had earlier shown confidence in Shan by assigning him the additional responsibility of director of international cricket. However, the decision was reversed within days after it became evident that the position required full-time administrative attention alongside his playing commitments.
Meanwhile, Aaqib’s role as selector and director high-performance is also expected to come under scrutiny. Over the past two years, he has served in multiple capacities, including selector, head coach on occasions and NCA director. Pakistan’s results during this period, however, have fallen short of expectations.
Pakistan failed to make an impact in the ICC Champions Trophy hosted by the country in 2025 and also endured a disappointing campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The national side had similarly struggled in the 2024 T20 World Cup when former Test fast bowler Wahab Riaz was overseeing cricket affairs.
Overall, Mohsin has little to show in terms of on-field success despite making several changes to the captaincy, selection committee and coaching staff since assuming office on Feb 6, 2024.
Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2026
