PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Backs Changes Ahead of England Test Finale

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has backed the decisions made during the ongoing Test tour of England, saying the changes were needed after the team produced dismal performances in the first two matches.

In an exclusive conversation with reporters on Wednesday, Naqvi also responded to those criticising the PCB’s approach. He questioned the achievements of his critics and said the decisions taken in England were not made without reason.

Naqvi explained that he was also looking into issues other than the team’s results. However, he made it clear that he did not want to discuss those matters at this stage, saying the focus should remain on cricket.

The PCB chief admitted that Pakistan’s poor showing had affected him deeply and said he felt the pain of the team’s performances.

"I have never been afraid of criticism, and I never will be," said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi while talking to the reporters.

Naqvi said he would take the comments seriously if they came from a respected former Pakistan captain like Wasim Akram. However, he rejected criticism from others who accused him of not giving enough time to cricket, saying they were unaware of the actual situation.

He also claimed that some of those criticising the state of Pakistan cricket were not really concerned about the game. According to Naqvi, their main problem was with him rather than cricket itself.

The PCB chairman admitted that Pakistan’s Test cricket had been disappointing, but pointed out that the team’s white-ball performances had improved during his time in charge.

"Those who say cricket has been destroyed since I came, look at what the rankings were before," said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Naqvi also made it clear that he would not allow players to be humiliated and said he still had full confidence in them.

For the unversed, Pakistan came into the England series after drawing 1-1 against the West Indies. However, the green shirts had a poor start in the opening Test, suffering an innings and 103-run defeat against the hosts in Babar Azam’s absence.

Unfortunately, things did not improve at Lord’s either. Pakistan had not lost a Test at the venue since 2010 and had won their previous two matches there. Despite that record, they suffered another heavy defeat, with England winning by 194 runs to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The two heavy losses led to strong criticism from cricket experts. In response, the PCB made major changes before the third Test in Birmingham, which is scheduled to begin next Wednesday. Interestingly, seven players were released, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their positions. Such drastic decisions again caught the attention of everyone, as sacking players and coaching staff during the series is really unprecedented.