LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed recent media reports that former Pakistan captains Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez have been appointed as coaches or mentors in the national team.
Speaking during a media meet, Naqvi said many reports were circulating in the media before the board’s official confirmation, creating unnecessary confusion and speculation.
He said he learned about the developments through news channels and no formal internal briefings were shared with him.
“A few days ago, a headline spread that Younis Khan, who has been appointed as the head coach or mentor of the Test team—whatever the exact role—I only get to know such things through channels,” Naqvi said.
“We don’t have any such agenda in advance. What can I say to that? If the news is not available that day and it is published in the morning, I am not wrong about that,” he added.
The PCB chairman further clarified that discussions are ongoing on staffing requirements and identifying areas that require additional support. He noted that many reports in the media about the appointments were premature and not in line with official confirmation by the board.
He also highlighted the inconsistency in such reports, with different people already working in different roles, unverified claims misleading the public and stakeholders.
“For Hafeez, we certainly discussed where we have vacancies and in which areas we need recruits. But it was very strange when the news broke that he was appointed as the head coach, while Sarfaraz on the other hand was serving in a role while such news was spreading,” he said.
Despite the speculation, he said his approach is focused on engaging all talent to strengthen Pakistan cricket.
“I can’t do much about it, but whoever can contribute to the development of cricket at this time, I will go to each and every person, engage them and take them along,” he said.
Earlier reports in sections of the media suggested that Younis Khan could replace Sarfaraz Ahmed as coach within the Test set-up, while Mohammad Hafeez has also been linked with a senior role.
However, no official confirmation has been released by the PCB regarding these claims.
Separately, reports suggest that Sarfaraz Ahmed will continue in his current role and has been cleared to remain involved in the Test set-up for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, despite speculation of possible changes following recent team performances.