The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) newly formed Coaching Affairs Committee is facing criticism after insiders revealed that interviews for coaching positions have been conducted largely by non-members raising questions about transparency and credibility.

The six-member committee announced on July 16, 2025 was tasked with shortlisting and recommending coaches for various domestic and national assignments. However, sources told Sahaafii.com that only Head of Coaching Education Shahid Aslam has actively participated in the process while other designated members have remained absent.

Committee Sidelined as Outsiders Step In

Instead of full-member participation, Shahid Aslam has been joined by GM Domestic Junaid Zia who is not an official member of the committee to conduct interviews. The pair first carried out sessions in Karachi and are currently continuing the process in Rawalpindi with assistance from other local officials also not included in the committee.

This deviation from the original mandate has cast doubts over whether the Coaching Affairs Committee is functioning as intended.

PCB 1

Who was Supposed to Lead Process?

According to the PCB’s July notification, the committee includes:

  • Aqib Javed (Director High Performance)
  • Abdullah Khurram Niazi (Director Domestic)
  • Abdul Faisal Malik (Director HR & Admin)
  • Mike Hesson (Pakistan Men’s Head Coach)
  • Shahid Aslam (Head of Coaching Education)
  • Imran Abbas (GM Academies)

Its official mandate was to:

  • Conduct structured interviews
  • Shortlist suitable candidates
  • Recommend appointments across programs
  • Ensure compliance with PCB’s policies and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) framework

PCB’s Stated Objectives vs. Reality

When announcing the committee, PCB highlighted its role in “enhancing transparency, professionalism, and consistency” across coaching operations, calling it an “essential support mechanism” for the National Cricket Academy’s long-term development goals.

Yet, with only one member present in interviews and outsiders stepping in to lead discussions, observers fear that the committee is already falling short of its stated objectives.

PCB Coaching Committee

Why it Matters

The credibility of coaching appointments is crucial for Pakistan cricket’s structural development. With the NCA at the heart of player grooming and skill development, inconsistencies in coach selection could undermine the board’s long-term strategy.

A Lahore-based cricket analyst told Sahaafii.com:

“The PCB had promised a transparent and professional process, but the reality looks very different. If non-members are conducting interviews, the committee risks being seen as symbolic rather than functional.”

What is Next?

PCB has yet to officially respond to concerns about the committee’s limited member involvement. The current round of interviews is expected to continue in Rawalpindi before final recommendations are submitted to the board.

How PCB addresses the issue of non-member participation will likely determine whether the committee regains the credibility it was meant to establish.