Former captain opens up about Waqar Younis’ new role in PCB

Former Test captain Salman Butt has opened up about Waqar Younis returning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a major role.

Waqar has recently taken charge as Adviser for Cricket Affairs to the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, according to reports.

The former head coach will oversee all the decisions regarding international and domestic selection committees, players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other important cricket matters in his new role.

Meanwhile, Naqvi’s responsibilities are limited to overseeing administrative affairs, with a current emphasis on addressing the organizational issues related to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

During an interview with a local sports outlet, Salman Butt wished Waqar well for his new role, while acknowledging his legendary status in Pakistan cricket.

“Waqar bhai has been my coach and is a legendary cricketer, there is no doubt about that. I am not in a position to advise him, I wish him all the very best for this role,” Butt said.

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Butt also emphasized that Waqar’s new role is distinct from his previous position as a coach and requires a positive vision and decisive decision-making. He encouraged the former captain to take the necessary steps to steer Pakistan cricket in the right direction.

“I really hope this time around he makes some decisions. He should do what is necessary and get it done. I think he should make correct decisions; if he has the vision, implement it,” he further added.

“Don’t go after people who have been there for ages and have done nothing. I think it’s a huge opportunity for him, not an easy one certainly. If he is able to make correct decisions, something better might come up.”

Previously, another former captain Younis Khan, during an interaction with the media on Wednesday, backed PCB Chairman Naqvi’s decision to hand the reigns of the cricket affairs to Waqar Younis.

“I’ve played under Waqar Younis and I think it’s a good sign that he’s coming back to the cricket board,” said Younis. “He has the opportunity to solve the [cricketing] issues.”

Younis further commented on the recent dip in the Pakistan men’s cricket team’s performance and emphasized the need to improve the infrastructure.

“Pakistan’s performance used to be on the top in the past. I think we need to work on our infrastructure,” Younis said.

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