Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) underwent a major administrative overhaul in December 2022, with Najam Sethi taking charge as chairman of the managing committee, replacing Ramiz Raja.

Moreover, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi was named interim chief selector with fellow ex-cricketers Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum joining him in the committee.

Now, a PTI report claims that Afridi could continue as the selection committee chairman after the home series against New Zealand while Mickey Arthur is likely to take a call on whether to return as Pakistan’s head coach later this month.

“Shahid has had talks with PCB Chairman Najam Sethi who had initially convinced him to work as an interim chief selector but now discussions have taken place on the possibility of the former captain continuing in the role given that this year Pakistan has two major events — the 50-overs Asia Cup and the World Cup in India,” one reliable source in the PCB quoted as saying by PTI.

According to the source, Sethi is happy with the way Afridi and his fellow selectors had picked players for two Tests and three ODIs against New Zealand.

“Strong possibility that Shahid will be persuaded to continue and chalk out a schedule where he can also give time to his foundation work,” the source said.

PCB is keen on bringing back Mickey Arthur as head coach of the men's cricket team and Sethi is waiting for a reply from the former.

“Arthur, who currently has a long contract with Derbyshire County, has asked for some time to consider his options and position and has said he will get back later this month with a solid answer,” the source said.

Notably, Arthur was Pakistan’s head coach between 2016 and 2019. During his stint, the Men in Green won the 2017 Champions Trophy in England.

The source said that Arthur had also expressed interest in making a comeback to international cricket as a coach.

(With PTI Inputs)