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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently navigating a legal storm following the recent appointment of Waqar Younis as an advisor to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
A legal challenge has emerged as a Pakistani citizen, Mashkoor Hussain, has filed a petition with the Lahore High Court contesting the PCB’s decision to hire the former Pakistan cricket team coach and iconic fast bowler.
Waqar Younis’ new position with the PCB encounters legal hurdles
Hussain, represented by attorney Nadeem Sarwar, has questioned the legality of Waqar Younis’s appointment as PCB advisor, challenging the board’s decision-making process. His petition, which includes the federal government, the PCB, and Younis as respondents, alleges procedural irregularities in the hiring process.
The petition argues that the PCB failed to adhere to proper procedures by not advertising the advisor position publicly, labeling Younis’s appointment as unlawful. It also highlights previous irregularities in the appointments of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as coaches, suggesting a pattern of procedural lapses within the PCB.
In response to the backlash, the PCB has sought to address the issue by advertising the Advisor-Cricket Affairs role on its website on August 3rd, inviting applications until August 19, 2024. This step came after Naqvi’s announcement of the Domestic Champions Cup and Younis’s advisory role on August 5, which intensified public scrutiny and criticism.
Mohsin Naqvi establishes a new six-member advisory board with Waqar Younis as its chair
The legal dispute has spotlighted the PCB’s internal operations, raising questions about the transparency of its decision-making. As the Lahore High Court gears up to review the case, cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the court’s ruling on whether Waqar Younis’s appointment will be affirmed.
Recently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the formation of a new six-member advisory board, with cricketing legend Waqar Younis appointed as its head. This strategic decision is intended to address allegations of favoritism within the Pakistan cricket setup.
Younis has been given the responsibility of assembling a panel of esteemed former cricketers to guide the board. The primary objective of this advisory group is to bolster the performance of the Pakistan team on the international stage.
Younis underscored the urgency of this initiative, emphasizing that the involvement of past cricketing greats is crucial to avoid potential setbacks for Pakistan cricket. He stressed the need for maintaining high standards to ensure the team’s success at the highest level.
Looking ahead, Pakistan is set to engage in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, with the first Test scheduled in Rawalpindi from August 21 and the second Test in Karachi starting August 30.
