PCB chief Naqvi dismisses claims of cricket’s decline in Pakistan — Dawn
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called claims that cricket in the country is in decline unfounded. Speaking to journalists in London, he said Pakistan’s teams in limited-overs formats had improved their results and ranking positions, Dawn reports.
Cricket board chief’s arguments
Naqvi noted that Pakistan’s team had risen from eighth to fifth place in the One Day International rankings. According to him, the team won four of six ODI series, while its success rate increased from 24% to 73%.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the team’s performances in Test cricket require significant improvement. The PCB chairman also said that the board’s management is responsible for results and must work on mistakes made in player selection. In his view, changes to the squad may be necessary when athletes do not demonstrate adequate results.
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Criticism of squad changes
The Pakistan Cricket Board faced criticism after personnel changes in the middle of the Test tour of England. Following defeats in matches at Headingley and Lord’s, seven players and two coaches were replaced from the lineup that started the series.
Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali told Dawn that such decisions could create uncertainty among players and should be made within a stable system. Naqvi cited the example of Salman Ali Agha, who was stand-in captain in the first Test but later did not make the starting lineup and then was left out of the team squad.
On September 3, Pakistan’s team, together with Naqvi, visited Buckingham Palace for an audience with King Charles. The third and final Test against England is scheduled for September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
