LAHORE: Former Test spinner Nadeem Khan has been appointed as the PCB Director High Performance as he replaces Mudassar Nazar (director academies) and Haroon Rasheed (director domestic cricket), said a press release issued here on Wednesday.

“Nadeem was one of the 16 candidates who had applied for the role and was subsequently interviewed by Iqbal Qasim (chairman, cricket committee), Wasim Akram (member, cricket committee), David Parsons (ex-performance director — ECB) and Wasim Khan (chief executive, PCB). Following his appointment, Nadeem has resigned as Coordinator of national men’s selection committee with immediate effect. Nadeem’s replacement will be announced in due course,” the press release said.

“The position of Director High Performance has been created during a restructuring process and following the departures of director academies Mudassar Nazar and director domestic cricket operations Haroon Rashid, who will finish their time at the PCB on May 31. Director high performance will be responsible for managing and overseeing both the departments as the PCB believes the new structure will serve the game and cricketers in a more seamless way.

“Nadeem’s relevant experience for this role included setting up the Moin Khan Cricket Academy and not only reviving the UBL Sports Academy but also transforming it into a successful and self-sustaining financial proposition as well as a high-quality grooming institution for budding youngsters,” the release further said.

Nadeem, however, is one of those cricketers, who did not have a distinguished or long career in international cricket, but get a job in the PCB.

Before turning into an administrator, the 50-year-old Nadeem played first-class cricket from 1986-87 to 2002-03. During this period, he played two Tests, two ODIs and 153 first-class matches.

Meanwhile commenting on his appointment, Nadeem said he was delighted to join the PCB, and said his key objectives will be to identify the assets at a young stage through and then monitor their growth, development and progression through the domestic programmes.

“I have some big shoes to fill but I am looking forward to making a significant and meaningful contribution during my time with the PCB,” he said.

PCB chief executive Wasim Khan welcomed Nadeem and expressed the hope that his appointment would bridge the gap between Pakistan’s domestic game and international cricket.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2020