The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is undergoing significant changes, with recent resignations of key figures leading to speculation about further leadership adjustments.
PSL Director Sohaib Sheikh and Head of Women’s Cricket Tania Malik both announced their resignations recently. Additionally, important changes are expected soon in the High Performance Centre, International Cricket, and Media Departments.
The most critical decision involves the potential transfer of COO Salman Naseer. Sources indicate that he has been offered the position of PSL Director, which became vacant following Sohaib Sheikh’s departure. The pressing question now is whether Salman, who has been working in a high-ranking position, will accept this demotion. There is also a proposal to appoint a senior bureaucrat as the new COO, with announcements anticipated shortly.
Salman Naseer was promoted to COO in February 2019, transitioning from his role as Senior Manager Legal. This promotion came with a significant salary increase of 825,000 PKR, raising his monthly earnings to over 1 million PKR. However, this promotion has drawn scrutiny, as noted in an audit report presented to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee, which pointed out that no advertisement for the position was issued, and the board did not consider educational qualifications, experience, or age. This promotion appeared to be in violation of established rules. According to the same report, Salman Naseer began his career with the PCB on September 5, 2011, as a Legal Manager with a starting salary of 90,000 PKR. Over the years, he received numerous promotions, leading to substantial salary increases, which have also raised concerns in the audit report. However, the PCB has not taken any action in response to these criticisms.
