LONDON: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the sweeping changes made during the ongoing Pakistan vs England Test series, describing them as “essential” while dismissing criticism of his handling of the national team.
Speaking exclusively to Geo News from London, Naqvi said the decisions taken during the England tour were necessary and that he was also examining other matters surrounding Pakistan cricket.
However, he said it was not the right time to discuss issues beyond cricket.
Naqvi acknowledged that Pakistan’s recent Test cricket performance had been very poor and said he personally felt the pain of the national team’s struggles.
“I have never been afraid of criticism, and I never will be,” he said, adding that criticism from people who had achieved nothing themselves did not affect him.
The PCB chairman said he would, however, take criticism seriously when it came from respected figures in the game.
“If a great player like Wasim Akram speaks, I will take it seriously,” Naqvi said.
He also rejected claims that he was not giving sufficient attention to cricket, saying those making such comments did not know the facts.
According to Naqvi, some of the people criticising Pakistan cricket were not genuinely concerned about the sport and instead had an issue with him personally.
Naqvi highlights Pakistan’s white-ball improvement
While admitting that Pakistan’s Test cricket results had been disappointing, Naqvi defended his tenure by pointing to improvements in the team’s white-ball performances.
He noted that Pakistan were currently ranked fifth in the ICC ODI rankings and sixth in the T20 rankings.
“Those who say cricket has been destroyed since I came — look at what the rankings were before,” he said.
Naqvi also said the dignity of Pakistan’s players would not be compromised under his leadership and maintained that he continued to have confidence in them.
Pakistan make sweeping changes against England
Pakistan’s major shake-up came after two heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the series.
Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening Test before losing the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs. The results handed England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
The PCB subsequently released seven players from the Test squad ahead of the third Test in Birmingham.
PCB seeks explanation over Imam, Rizwan selection for England Tests
The players released were Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
The board replaced them with Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
The coaching staff was also reshuffled, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul released from their positions.
The Test team will now be overseen by the white-ball coaching panel of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.
PCB seeks explanation over Rizwan, Imam selection
The changes were followed by another development as the PCB sought written explanations from selection committee members Aaqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq over the selection of Rizwan and Imam for the Test squad.
The committee members were given 24 hours to explain the basis and rationale behind recommending the two players.
The PCB notice referred to a June 2 selection committee meeting, with its minutes submitted on July 1, during which players for the West Indies and England Test tours were considered.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has decided to resign from the selection committee, according to sources close to the cricketer.
The sources said Misbah had informed the PCB of his decision and would serve a notice period before formally stepping down.
With Pakistan already trailing England 2-0, the PCB’s sweeping changes have placed renewed focus on the team’s selection process, coaching structure and Test performance ahead of the third Test in Birmingham.
