Cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has unequivocally declared that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan as scheduled. He asserted that if India has any concerns, it should engage in dialogue with the PCB to resolve them."Pakistan's pride and respect are paramount. The Champions Trophy will take place in our country only. We will not accept a hybrid model. If India has any issues, they can approach us, and we will address them," Naqvi stated during a press conference outside Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.Naqvi reiterated the PCB's unwavering stance against a hybrid model, where matches would be played in both Pakistan and India. He urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to announce the schedule promptly."We stand firm on our position that we will not consider a hybrid model. We are awaiting the ICC's announcement of the schedule as soon as possible," he added.Naqvi emphasized the importance of the ICC upholding its credibility as a governing body representing all cricket boards worldwide. He noted that the schedule had been revised but that no cancellation notice had been received."The ICC needs to consider its credibility as it represents all cricket bodies globally. The schedule has been rescheduled, but we haven't received any cancellation notice," he said.Naqvi also expressed his belief in keeping sports and politics separate, emphasizing that the two should not influence or interfere with each other."I still believe that sports and politics should not interfere with each other, and I maintain a positive outlook," he said.The PCB chairman's firm stance comes amid speculation that India may boycott the Champions Trophy if it is held in Pakistan due to security concerns. However, Naqvi has assured that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament and provide a safe environment for all participants.

Pakistan cricket legend Rashid Latif has strongly condemned reports that India may refuse to play in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Latif emphasized that ICC tournament commitments are binding and questioned the validity of security concerns, citing the recent successful tours of Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa to Pakistan.Latif argued that a refusal to participate would require a "solid reason" under ICC regulations, similar to the specific threats that prompted West Indies and Australia to skip matches in Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup. He warned that if Pakistan were to reciprocate India's stance by opting out of ICC events, it would severely impact the ICC's relevance and viewership.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi echoed Latif's sentiments, expressing disappointment over India's reported stance and emphasizing the tournament's potential to strengthen regional cricket ties. Naqvi stated that the PCB would only accept India's absence if it was provided in writing with clear reasons.Meanwhile, TimesofIndia.com reported that the BCCI has requested matches be played at a neutral venue, with Dubai being the leading option. Sources indicate that the BCCI has already conveyed its concerns to the PCB and other ICC stakeholders.Latif's comments highlight the importance of adhering to ICC commitments and the potential consequences of political interference in cricket. The PCB's stance underscores its determination to host the Champions Trophy successfully and its belief that politics should not overshadow the sport. The BCCI's request for a neutral venue raises questions about the future of ICC events in Pakistan and the impact it could have on the development of cricket in the region.

India's participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain, contingent upon approval from the Indian government. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed confidence that all teams, including India, will attend the tournament.During a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi provided updates on the ongoing renovations at the venue in preparation for the Champions Trophy. He emphasized the PCB's readiness to host the event and asserted that all teams would participate.When questioned about the potential visit of Jay Shah, the newly elected ICC Chairman, Naqvi stated that the details of his meetings were yet to be finalized. He reiterated his belief that there were no factors that would prevent the Indian team from participating.India has not yet confirmed its participation, with speculation that the tournament could adopt a hybrid format, with India's matches potentially being played at a venue outside Pakistan, similar to the Asia Cup.The PCB has reportedly expressed willingness to accommodate the logistical needs of the Indian team and fans by hosting all India matches in Lahore, which is conveniently located near Amritsar.The Champions Trophy, which returns to the ICC calendar after a seven-year hiatus, is scheduled to take place in February-March 2023. The tournament will feature the top eight ODI teams in the world, competing for the coveted trophy.

Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali has once again criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, following the team's recent struggles. Pakistan's humiliating Test series loss against Bangladesh and their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 group stages have put immense pressure on the team and its management.Ali slammed Naqvi's leadership, stating that his promises to fix Pakistan's cricket are mere "gimmicks." He cited the views of Indian cricket legends Sourav Ganguly and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have also expressed concerns about Pakistan's decline."Mohsin Naqvi, please open your eyes," Ali said on YouTube. "You say you will fix Pakistan's cricket, but it cannot happen like this. It is the bitter truth."Ali pointed out that Ashwin had questioned the lack of quality spinners in Pakistan, while Ganguly had commented on the deterioration of Pakistan's cricket. "The promises made to fix Pakistan's cricket are nothing but gimmicks," Ali asserted.Meanwhile, former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal called for the resumption of cricket matches between Pakistan and India in their respective countries. He emphasized the strong bond between the two nations and the immense popularity of such matches."Even if the India versus Pakistan match happens on the moon, it will be huge," Ajmal said. "There is a lot of love between India and Pakistan, and we must go to each other's countries."Pakistan last toured India in 2012/13, while India's last visit to Pakistan was in 2008. Since 2007, there has been no Test series between the two teams due to political tensions.

Pakistan's recent dismal performance in international cricket has sparked concerns about the intrusion of politics into the sport. Critics argue that nepotism and political interference at the top are hindering progress on the field.After a humiliating 0-2 home series loss to Bangladesh, Pakistan dropped to ninth place in the Test rankings, their lowest position in nearly six decades. This followed a string of disappointing results, including early eliminations from the 50-over and T20 World Cups.The current chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, is also the interior minister, a demanding full-time role in a country facing increased terrorist threats. This dual responsibility has raised questions about his ability to effectively lead the PCB.Over the past two years, Pakistani cricket has witnessed a revolving door of coaches, board chairs, and captains, as well as multiple changes to domestic competition formats. Analysts attribute this instability to political whims."This has a knock-on effect on team performance," said cricket journalist Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi. "When we have chaos and chronic instability within the management of the board, it will reflect on-field performances."Cricket is Pakistan's most popular sport, with players revered as national heroes. The sport transcends social divisions and carries significant cultural and political cachet. Former prime minister Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 ODI World Cup, used his cricketing achievements to launch his political career.Khan, who was recently imprisoned on charges he claims are politically motivated, has criticized the current state of cricket in Pakistan. He alleges that "favorites have been imposed" to run the sport and that Naqvi has "annihilated" the team.Nepotism and favoritism are prevalent in Pakistan. Khan, who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, is accused of using his political influence to appoint his preferred PCB chief and interfere in the game's structure.Journalist Najam Sethi, a former PCB chairman, believes the position has become a "sinecure" for those seeking prestige. "Generals, judges, and bureaucrats with no knowledge of the game have been appointed," he said.Pakistan's last major victory was the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Their most recent home Test win was in February 2021. They reached the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup but suffered shock defeats to Ireland and the United States in the first round of the 2024 competition.Naqvi and the system that appointed him have come under intense scrutiny following the Bangladesh defeat. Calls for his resignation have intensified, with the Express Tribune newspaper accusing him of "ruining" the game.The incongruity of Naqvi's dual roles became evident when he presided over a press conference where he discussed both a mass-casualty militant attack and cricket. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's adviser, Rana Sanaullah Khan, hinted that support for the PCB chief was waning at the top.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has made history by becoming the new International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman. This significant appointment has sparked discussions about his successor in the Indian board and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).As Shah assumes the ICC role, he will relinquish his positions as BCCI secretary and ACC chairman. According to reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is the frontrunner to replace Shah as the ACC boss.A source quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency claims that Naqvi is set to take over as the new ACC president for a two-year term. "When the ACC meets later this year, it will confirm that Naqvi will be the next president for a two-year term," the source said. "When Jay Shah steps down, the PCB chief will take over."Upon his election as the ICC Chairman, Shah expressed his commitment to working closely with the ICC team and member nations to further globalize cricket. He emphasized the importance of balancing multiple formats, promoting technology, and introducing marquee events to new markets.Shah also highlighted the significance of cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, stating that it represents a major growth opportunity for the sport. He expressed confidence that it will drive cricket forward in unprecedented ways.The appointment of Naqvi as the ACC chairman is expected to be formally announced later this year. This move will mark a significant change in the leadership of both the ICC and ACC, with both organizations set to embark on new chapters under their respective new leaders.

Pakistan's humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi has sparked outrage among fans and former players alike. Ahmad Shahzad, a veteran Pakistani cricketer, has taken to social media to criticize Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his handling of the team.Shahzad questioned Naqvi's understanding of cricket and expressed disappointment with his leadership decisions. He highlighted Pakistan's historic first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh as a testament to Naqvi's ineffectiveness."This is what happens if you don't make changes in time. You got scared and you did not make decisions," Shahzad tweeted.Shahzad continued his criticism by questioning Naqvi's effectiveness since assuming the role of PCB chairman earlier this year. "I was told that Mohsin Naqvi was a brave, resolute, and shrewd man with extreme power when he became the PCB chief. It was being said that if anyone could change the PCB, it would be Naqvi. But we have not seen it yet, and whatever he has done so far, this much is clear that Mohsin Naqvi has absolutely no idea about cricket," Shahzad wrote.Naqvi took over the PCB with promises of significant changes following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, especially after their loss to India. However, Shahzad pointed out that Naqvi's promises of reform have not materialized."When you lost to India in the T20 World Cup 2024, to keep people quiet, you said that you will do a surgery on Pakistan cricket. But you failed to do it. You lied to people just like others in the past. What did you think? That you would buy time? That after you beat Bangladesh in the Test series, people will go a little quiet and then you will implement your changes, but that did not happen," he said.The defeat has increased scrutiny on Pakistan's cricket setup, as they have now lost four consecutive Test matches, including a 3-0 series whitewash against Australia earlier this year. Their last home Test win was against South Africa in early 2021. These ongoing struggles have led to growing frustration among fans and commentators, questioning the direction of the team under current management.Shahzad also criticized the enduring influence of certain individuals within Pakistan cricket, suggesting a stagnation in the sport's governance. "The people that have been running Pakistan cricket for the last 12-15 years, they are still calling the shots. It has culminated in Bangladesh beating Pakistan for the first time in a Test match. I have never seen this in my life," he remarked.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his disappointment over the team's humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the Rawalpindi Test. This was the first time Pakistan had lost to Bangladesh in the longest format of the game, sending shockwaves through the nation.Naqvi attributed the loss to multiple factors, including skipper Shan Masood's captaincy, team selection, the performances of top batters like Babar Azam, and the inability of pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah to deliver with the ball.Former Pakistan cricketers have also criticized the selectors for not picking talented players from the domestic pool. However, Naqvi believes that there aren't many quality players in Pakistan's domestic pool to choose from."It was a very disappointing loss," Naqvi said. "The problem is the selection committee has no pool to turn to."Naqvi had promised a "surgery" after Pakistan's early elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024, but the same problems resurfaced in the first Test against Bangladesh. While the PCB chief remains keen to find a solution, he admitted that there aren't many quality players to choose from."We want to fix our problems," Naqvi said, "but when we look at how to resolve them, we don't have any solid data or (elite) players pool which we can draw from."After the first match, Pakistan captain Shan Masood accepted that mistakes were made by him and the team."Never to make an excuse, it (the pitch) didn't play the way we thought it would. Also the weather had been around in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, it rained around 8-9 days before the first day of play. Firstly looking at the pitch, we expected it to do a bit more. With three pace bowlers, they were gonna be pushed to the limit. At the end of the day, we got it wrong," he said.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed concern over the lack of depth in the national team, highlighting the absence of a robust feeder system to replace underperforming players.Naqvi's comments come after Pakistan's historic Test defeat to Bangladesh, a result that has raised questions about the team's overall strength. He acknowledged that the selection committee faces a shortage of viable options to replace struggling players."The problem is the selection committee has no pool to turn to from which to select players," Naqvi said. "We need to fix our problems, but we don't have any solid data or player pool to draw from."Naqvi believes that the newly created Champions Cup, a domestic one-day tournament, will provide a platform to identify and develop talented players. He emphasized the importance of data and records in making informed selection decisions."This Cup will make domestic cricket strong, we'll have a pool of 150 players, and then the selection committee will do the necessary surgery," Naqvi said. "We can't dump someone unless we have a better one to replace them."Naqvi also defended the selection committee's decision not to play a frontline spinner in the Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh, stating that it was a tactical choice made by the captain, coach, and team management.However, Naqvi acknowledged the need for systemic improvements in the domestic structure, which has been plagued by neglect and frequent changes. He emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable pipeline of talented players to ensure the long-term success of the national team.