Misbah-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan Test captain renowned for his composed leadership, is poised to assume the pivotal role of Director of International Cricket Operations at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to a reliable PCB source, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally persuaded Misbah to apply for the position, citing his extensive experience as a player and former head coach. The job, advertised with a requirement for candidates to be former domestic or international cricketers, aligns perfectly with Misbah’s credentials. This move comes as incumbent director Usman Wahla transitions to the Pakistan Super League secretariat, signaling a strategic reshuffle within the board.

Misbah’s influence within the PCB remains significant, as evidenced by his current role as mentor and advisor to Naqvi on cricket matters. Sources credit him with playing a key role in the controversial decision to remove Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain and advocating against Babar Azam’s recall to the national T20 squad. These bold interventions underscore Misbah’s authority in shaping Pakistan’s cricketing direction. His advisory panel role, alongside former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sikander Bakht, and Aaqib Javed, further cements his status as a trusted voice in the PCB’s inner circle.

Since retiring in 2017, Misbah’s administrative journey has been eventful. Appointed head coach and chief selector in 2019, he stepped down as selector after a year and was later removed as coach in 2021 under Ramiz Raja’s chairmanship. Despite these setbacks, Misbah stayed engaged with the PCB, notably mentoring a domestic team in 2024 for a reported 5 million rupees per month. His resilience and deep cricketing insight have kept him relevant, culminating in Naqvi’s push to entrust him with international operations—a role critical to navigating Pakistan’s global cricket commitments.

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The timing of Misbah’s potential appointment is crucial as the PCB faces diplomatic challenges, including tensions with the BCCI and protests over ICC decisions ahead of the November 4-7, 2025, ICC Board meeting in Dubai. His experience could stabilize Pakistan’s international cricket strategy, from managing bilateral series to addressing governance disputes. If confirmed, Misbah’s leadership may herald a new era of professionalism for the PCB, blending his on-field legacy with administrative acumen to elevate Pakistan cricket on the world stage.

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