Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is facing severe criticism following Pakistan’s consecutive defeats, including the Asia Cup final, against India. The controversy surrounding the team’s performance and subsequent trophy loss has led to widespread condemnation of Naqvi. He is not only facing backlash internationally, including in India, but also within his own country. Calls for his removal are growing louder as the head of Pakistan cricket faces mounting criticism.
Following the defeat to India in the Asia Cup final on September 28, Pakistani fans have expressed their anger. While the team’s captain, Salman Agha, and most players are under scrutiny for their poor performance, Mohsin Naqvi is also attracting significant criticism. Naqvi, who also holds a ministerial position in the Pakistani government, has become a target for political opponents as well.
Imran Khan, the imprisoned former Prime Minister and former captain, compared Mohsin Naqvi to the former Pakistan Army chief, General Asim Munir, criticizing Naqvi’s actions. Imran stated that Naqvi is doing to Pakistani cricket what General Asim Munir did to Pakistan. Munir’s leadership saw the Pakistani army suffer a humiliating defeat during India’s Operation Sindoor. During Munir’s tenure, several Pakistani army and air force bases were destroyed. A similar situation is unfolding with the Pakistan cricket team, which is losing in every format, tournament, and level.
Leaders of Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have accused Naqvi of destroying Pakistani cricket and are demanding his removal. Party leader Moonis Elahi challenged the ‘chosen’ Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on social media, urging him to take action against Naqvi, who is ruining Pakistan cricket. Naqvi’s appointment was made by Shehbaz Sharif, who is the patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board. The coming days will be crucial to see if Naqvi can retain his position after the team’s poor performance.