PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Rejects Claims That Pakistan Cricket Is Declining
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has rejected claims that cricket in Pakistan has reached a point of decline, calling such statements unfair and unreasonable.
Speaking to reporters in London on Wednesday, Naqvi pointed to improvements in Pakistan’s white-ball rankings and recent series results as evidence that the country’s cricket is continuing to progress.
He noted that Pakistan’s ODI ranking has improved from eighth to fifth and said the national team had won four of its last six ODI series.
Naqvi Highlights Improvement in White-Ball Cricket
Naqvi said Pakistan’s success rate had also improved significantly, rising from 24% to 73%. He acknowledged that the team still needs substantial improvement in Test cricket but argued that it was inappropriate to suggest that cricket as a whole had finished in Pakistan.
He said criticism of performances and selection decisions was understandable, but maintained that the team should not be written off because of recent setbacks.
The PCB chairman also defended the board’s decisions regarding player selection and changes to the national team during the ongoing Test tour of England.
PCB Faces Criticism Over England Test Changes
The PCB has faced criticism after making significant changes to Pakistan’s squad during the Test series in England. Seven players and two coaches from the original squad were replaced following defeats at Headingley and Lord’s.
The decision drew criticism from fans, analysts and former players. Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali said such major decisions could create uncertainty among players and argued that changes should be made within a stable framework.
Naqvi acknowledged that selection mistakes can happen and said he accepts responsibility for such decisions. However, he maintained that changes may sometimes be necessary when players are not producing the required performances.
He clarified that the objective was not simply to remove players but to make changes when the team needed a different approach.
Naqvi Says Pakistan Cricket Needs Time
Naqvi said it would not be realistic to expect Pakistan to move from ninth position to the top ranking within just a few months.
He acknowledged that there is still considerable work to be done, particularly in Test cricket, but asked critics to avoid discouraging the players.
The PCB chairman also said criticism directed at him personally should not be used as a reason to undermine Pakistan cricket.
“If someone has resentment towards me, by all means criticise me personally,” he said, while emphasizing that the national team should not become the target of personal criticism.
Pakistan to Face England in Final Test
The Pakistan cricket team and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi were welcomed at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday for an audience with King Charles.
Pakistan will return to action against England in the third and final Test of the series on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
