The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Syed Sameer Ahmed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO), replacing Salman Naseer as part of recent administrative changes. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi approved Sameer Ahmed’s appointment. Previously, Sameer Ahmed served as Deputy Commissioner of Lahore and was recently working in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Who is new COO Syed Sameer Ahmad?
Syed Sameer Ahmed has a strong background in governmental roles. During Punjab’s former CM Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure, he held various high-ranking positions within the Lahore administration and was considered close to the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz. Furthermore, ahead of elections in Punjab, when Mohsin Naqvi was appointed Chief Minister, Sameer Ahmed served as his advisor.
However, some circles are questioning whether the PML-N might have placed Sameer Ahmed in the cricket board as a strategic move to keep an eye on Naqvi. Naqvi’s ties with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), particularly his friendly relationship with current President Asif Ali Zardari, have frequently been discussed in political circles.
Mohsin Naqvi assumed the role of PCB Chairman in February 2024. At the time he took office, Pakistan’s ICC rankings were as follows:
– One Day International (ODI): Fourth position
– T20 International (T20I): Third position
– Test cricket: Sixth position
Under Naqvi’s leadership, the team’s performance saw some shifts. According to the current rankings, Pakistan now stands third in ODIs but has dropped to seventh in both T20 and Test formats. These declining positions have raised questions about the team’s performance and discipline.
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s performance fell short of fans’ expectations. In their opening match, they suffered a surprising loss to the United States, followed by a six-run defeat to India. These setbacks significantly limited Pakistan’s chances of progressing in the tournament. The irresponsible batting approach in these games exposed the team’s weaknesses, prompting the administration to take a serious look at performance issues.
Following the poor World Cup showing, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed strong criticism of the team’s performance. He emphasized that internal divisions and politics within the team would be eliminated, and new talent would be given opportunities. Naqvi’s goal is to bring reforms that will enhance the Pakistan cricket team’s structure and bring it up to a world-class standard.
These changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board have sparked fresh debates not only within cricket circles but also in political arenas. It remains to be seen how these adjustments will impact the overall performance of both the team and the board in the coming times.
