Aqib Javed Breaks Silence on Reports of PCB Exit

National selector Aqib Javed has dismissed reports claiming he is planning to resign or be removed from his position at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), dismissing the speculation as "fake news." Dawn reported that Javed conveyed this to a text message on Tuesday night. The clarification emerges amidst rumors of significant changes within the PCB's cricket administration following Pakistan's recent decline in performances.

It is reported that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi may consider changes potentially including Javed's removal from his role as senior selector. The position of Wahab Riaz as mentor of the women's team is also reportedly under discussion, with a possible change following the Asian Games in Japan. Javed, a member of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning team, has been actively involved in PCB decision-making over the past two years.

He serves on the national selection committee and is the director of high performance. Javed has faced criticism over frequent changes in the national team's coaching staff and captaincy, especially after the controversial decisions made during Pakistan's recent Test tour of England. Following Pakistan's loss in the second Test at Lord's, the PCB dismissed seven players and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.

Pakistan subsequently lost the series 3-0 and was relegated to the bottom of the World Test Championship table. Selection committee member Misbah ul Haq resigned after the series, an incident that Javed had previously stated he had no intention of participating in. Reports also suggest that discussions about changes are related to Mike Hesson's readiness to take charge of the Test side.

Javed has previously defended the decisions made during the England series, arguing that the team had not been competitive and required a change in mindset.