‘Has Cricket Ended?’: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Defends Radical Overhaul Amid Team’s Struggles
LONDON – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has mounted a defiant defense of the board’s recent drastic decisions, firing back at critics who have characterized the current state of the national team as a total collapse.
Speaking to the media in London, Naqvi dismissed the notion that a string of poor performances signals the end of Pakistani cricket. To emphasize his point, he drew comparisons to the unpredictable nature of the sport at the highest level, citing recent setbacks suffered by other cricketing powerhouses.
“Let me ask you one thing: South Africa lost to Namibia, and India lost to Ireland. Has cricket ended there as well?” Naqvi questioned, highlighting how even top-tier sides are susceptible to unexpected defeats.
Navigating the “Crisis”
The comments come in the wake of a turbulent Test series against England, where Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two matches—losing by an innings and 103 runs in the opener and by 194 runs in the second Test at Lord’s. These results prompted a ruthless shake-up of the squad, with the PCB dropping seven prominent players, including Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, ahead of the third Test in Birmingham.
While acknowledging the team’s recent difficulties, Naqvi urged fans and pundits to view the broader picture rather than focusing solely on the recent Test failures.
“You used to be ranked eighth in ODIs, which has now moved up to fifth,” Naqvi noted, pointing to a statistical improvement. “We have played six ODI series and won four. Our success rate has gone up from 24 percent to 73 percent. But still, they say our cricket is finished?”
He cautioned that rebuilding a national program is a long-term endeavor, adding, “It is not possible to take a team from number nine to number one in three or six months. There is a long way to go.”
Confronting the Critics
Naqvi, who has been at the center of the debate regarding the board’s administrative direction, admitted that he welcomes constructive feedback but drew a line at baseless negativity. He specifically critiqued those whom he feels lack the professional pedigree to judge the team’s current trajectory.
“I have never been afraid of criticism, and I never will be,” Naqvi stated. “However, those players who have never achieved anything in their lives—when they talk along these lines, that is unreasonable.” He noted that he actively consults legends like Wasim Akram, whose input he values, but suggested that many current detractors are more interested in personal agendas than the health of the game.
Accountability and Future Steps
Despite his robust defense of the board’s philosophy, Naqvi conceded that mistakes have been made, particularly regarding selection processes. The PCB recently issued explanations to selection committee members—including Aaqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Asad Shafiq—following the controversial inclusion of certain players. The situation led to the resignation of Misbah-ul-Haq from the committee.
“Sometimes there are mistakes made in selection as well. I am answerable for that, and we need to work on it,” Naqvi admitted.
As the board continues its push for a new identity, Naqvi remains steadfast that Pakistan cricket is in a necessary phase of transition. He insisted that if players fail to perform, the board will continue to prioritize results and introduce fresh talent, even if it means enduring short-term turbulence for long-term stability.
