PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Under Intense Scrutiny Amid Cricket Team's Struggles
Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of Pakistan’s cricket board and the country’s interior minister, is facing criticism from multiple fronts. Following Pakistan’s recent 2-0 Test series loss to Bangladesh—a significant defeat on home soil—calls have emerged from both houses of parliament for Naqvi to step down as PCB chief.
This latest setback adds to a string of poor performances by the Pakistan cricket team, which has struggled across all formats since Naqvi’s appointment as chairman in February. Despite being elected with government backing, Naqvi’s tenure has been marked by disappointment. The process of electing the PCB chairman usually involves a couple of nominees recommended by the prime minister—who also serves as the PCB’s patron-in-chief—being voted in by the Board of Governors. Naqvi was nominated by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.
Under Naqvi’s leadership, the PCB has faced numerous challenges. Pakistan has secured only one series win—a three-match Twenty20 series against Ireland. His tenure has seen frequent changes in coaching staff and selection committees, but these adjustments have failed to halt the team’s downward trajectory. Naqvi had pledged a major overhaul following Pakistan’s lackluster T20 World Cup performance, but significant changes have yet to materialize.
In Naqvi’s defense, the PCB had already experienced considerable upheaval before his election, including multiple changes in leadership and team captains. Despite these issues, the call for his resignation continues to grow amidst the ongoing struggles of the Pakistan cricket team.
