Pakistan cricket has plunged into fresh controversy after former captain Shahid Afridi publicly urged Mohsin Naqvi to step down as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Afridi’s call comes in the aftermath of the Asia Cup, which was marred by chaos both on and off the field. He argued that Naqvi, who also holds the position of Pakistan’s Interior Minister and serves as president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is unable to devote the necessary attention to cricket administration.
Afridi insisted that the PCB role requires a full-time commitment, claiming that Naqvi not only lacks cricket knowledge but has also surrounded himself with advisers who are steering him in the wrong direction. “These are two very important posts, and both need full attention,” Afridi said, highlighting that Naqvi himself has admitted to not being an expert on the sport. According to Afridi, Pakistan cricket deserves leadership that understands the game and can restore stability.
Naqvi’s tenure has been under intense scrutiny since the Asia Cup debacle. Pakistan’s threat to boycott a group-stage match against India over a handshake controversy created unnecessary drama, while logistical issues further marred the tournament. On the day of the final, Naqvi was accused of disrespecting India by refusing to present the winners’ trophy in his capacity as ACC president after India defeated Pakistan in all three encounters, including the title clash. Instead, ACC officials quietly removed the trophy from the podium, sparking global criticism.
Naqvi’s provocative social media remarks linking cricket to military skirmishes between India and Pakistan added further fuel to the fire. His behavior drew strong condemnation at an ACC meeting on September 30, where BCCI officials, including vice-president Rajeev Shukla, expressed displeasure. Though Naqvi later apologised, he insisted he would only hand over the trophy directly to India’s captain in Dubai, a stance that deepened tensions.
Pakistan’s poor on-field performance, coupled with controversies surrounding the Asia Cup final, has left the nation’s cricketing reputation in tatters. With Shahid Afridi openly demanding his resignation and the BCCI considering an official complaint, pressure is mounting on Mohsin Naqvi to reconsider his role in cricket administration. The future of Pakistan’s cricket leadership now hangs in the balance as criticism intensifies both at home and abroad.
