Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has categorically denied reports of him being interested in the job of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman after Ehsan Mani’s tenure came to end recently.
Reports had suggested that Akram was also interested in the job which eventually went to his 1992 World Cup-winning teammate Ramiz Raja, who had met with Pakistan PM Imran Khan and presented his plan for the future of cricket in the country. Ehsan Mani was also offered an extension of his tenure, which he refused.
The PTI report carried by Times of India had mentioned quotes from a 'PCB insider' that Akram had also shown interest in becoming the new chairman of the PCB before Prime Minister Imran Khan picked Ramiz Raja for the responsibility.
"It is true Wasim Akram was also considered for the chairman's post and had also indicated his interest but, apparently, the prime minister was advised that Ramiz would be a better choice as he had no past baggage to carry with him," the source told PTI.
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Akram is a member of the PCB's Cricket Committee and also Director cricket/coach with the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League.
However, Wasim Akram took to Twitter to reject the report and showed disappointment in the newspaper for carrying such a report.
“Please stop spreading such fake news. Get your sources right. TOI is one of India’s top and credible newspapers and such baseless news can only hurt that image. PCB chairman’s post is a specialised job and I was never interested in it. Thank God, I am content where I am in my life,” Akram tweeted.
In another tweet, Akram congratulated Ramiz Raja on becoming the new PCB chairman and backed him to bring a positive change in Pakistan cricket and for having a vision and experience to achieve that.
“Congratulations to @iramizraja on being nominated as BOG member by PM to being PCB chairman I am confident that Rams will bring a positive change in Pakistan cricket as he has the vision and experience to achieve that. Pakistan cricket needs a big lift and my support are with you,” Akram posted.
