The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has begun searching for a new Director of International Cricket after suspending incumbent Usman Wahla for his alleged mishandling of the Asia Cup match referee fiasco last month.
Wahla was accused of delaying a formal protest email to the International Cricket Council (ICC) against match referee Andy Pycroft, who had controversially told Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to offer a handshake to Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav before their September 14 clash in Dubai.
PCB Seeks a Former Cricketer for the Role
Sources told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net), the PCB wants to revamp its international operations and bring in a former player to handle diplomatic and protocol challenges more effectively.
PCB has placed an ad on its website for the Director of International Cricket to deal with Asia Cup-like fiascos better in the future. They want a former cricketer with strong international rapport and understanding of cricket administration.
The job advertisement specifies that candidates must have played Tests and ODIs for Pakistan, hold a graduate degree, and possess a thorough knowledge of ICC regulations.
Misbah-ul-Haq Tipped as Front-Runner
Former Pakistan captain and ex-head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has emerged as the favourite for the position. Misbah, who meets all the eligibility criteria, is seen as someone with both cricketing credibility and administrative composure.
ICC Meeting Looms Amid Mounting Tensions
The PCB’s leadership, headed by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, is preparing for a tough ICC Board meeting in Dubai from November 4–7, where Pakistan’s recent confrontations with the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are expected to be discussed.
Sources said the PCB wants a strong international director to brief Naqvi and manage relations ahead of what could be a tense round of talks.
Trophy Row Adds to Diplomatic Strain
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is expected to face questions over the Asia Cup prize presentation, where India reportedly refused to accept the trophy from him despite his role as Asian Cricket Council chairman.
BCCI officials are understood to be planning to raise the issue formally at the ICC meeting, while Afghanistan’s representatives are also expected to support the move following recent tensions over alleged Pakistani airstrikes that killed Afghan cricketers.
Crisis Spurs Reshuffle And Reflection
The fallout from the Asia Cup fiasco has not only shaken Pakistan’s cricket administration but also forced introspection within the PCB about how it handles international diplomacy and communication.
By seeking a respected former player to fill Wahla’s role, the Board appears keen to restore credibility, rebuild trust, and ensure future crises are managed with greater professionalism and tact.
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