Waqar Younis is poised to return to Pakistan cricket, this time in a high-ranking position as the board's chief cricket advisor. On Monday, Waqar met with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore to discuss finalising his appointment, though a few details are still being ironed out. Initially, Waqar will serve as a consultant and advisor to the chairman on cricket matters, but this may change if his role becomes permanent, potentially resembling the position Robert Key holds as managing director at the ECB.
A board official mentioned that Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, wants a former cricketer to oversee all cricketing aspects, including selection, high performance, and developmental pathways. This would allow Naqvi to focus on administrative duties. The timing of this appointment is critical, as Pakistan faces a packed schedule, including a two-Test series against Bangladesh in August, three Tests against England in October, and a busy winter with tours to South Africa and matches against the West Indies. The schedule also includes a triangular ODI series with South Africa and New Zealand, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and an eight-match white-ball series in New Zealand in March 2025.
In addition to international fixtures, Pakistan's domestic season will expand, featuring three tournaments across different formats and the PSL. Waqar has previously served as bowling or assistant coach in various stints with the Pakistan team, and has been the head coach twice. His last role was as bowling coach under Misbah-ul-Haq's tenure following the 2019 World Cup.
This will be Waqar's first time in a position with such comprehensive responsibilities, including managing the balance between Pakistan's international commitments and the demand for its players in global T20 leagues.