LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricket captain and head coach Waqar Younis has been appointed as an advisor to the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), marking his return to the board in a major new role.
Waqar Younis, who began his duties immediately, will primarily focus on guiding the national team for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
Younis, a veteran of Pakistan cricket with extensive experience in various coaching capacities, has commenced his role under the direct supervision of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. His initial responsibilities will include providing strategic advice and assistance in the selection process for the Test series against Bangladesh.
He will collaborate closely with the selectors and the head coach to finalize the squad, with the final list to be submitted to the PCB Chairman for approval.
This marks Younis’s fourth stint with the PCB, having previously served in different coaching roles from 2007-08, 2010, and 2019. In his new role, he will have considerable influence over cricketing affairs, including matters related to the national selection committee and coaching staff for both red and white-ball formats.
His involvement is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Pakistan’s cricketing strategies, especially following recent underwhelming performances.
The PCB has faced criticism in recent years, notably after Pakistan’s disappointing showings in the ICC 50-over World Cup in India and the ICC T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies. Additionally, the national women’s team’s performances have been lackluster.
Previously, Waqar Younis served as Pakistan’s bowling coach alongside Misbah-ul-Haq, who was then the head coach. This coaching pair was appointed when the PCB, under Chairman Ehsan Mani, chose not to extend the tenure of head coach Mickey Arthur. Arthur had led Pakistan to victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, notably defeating India in the final.
