Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, has called for the immediate resignation of Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This demand follows Naqvi’s assertion that the national cricket team requires “major surgery” after their disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, which led to their elimination from the tournament.
Naqvi stated, “Initially, it seemed that minor changes would suffice, but after this poor performance, I am convinced that a significant overhaul is necessary. The nation can expect to see substantial changes soon.”
In their three matches played so far, Pakistan lost to the US and India, with a single victory against Canada. Despite this win, it was insufficient to progress to the Super Eight round.
The team is set to play their final match against Ireland today, aiming to finish the tournament on a positive note.
Barrister Saif criticized Naqvi’s remarks, describing them as controversial. “Mohsin Naqvi, the Sharif family, and their associates should undergo significant changes,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for sports to remain free from politics.
Saif expressed expectations from a board led by Naqvi, alleging that the chairman’s appointment was facilitated by “conspirators” who manipulated the process. “This incompetent group has deeply disappointed cricket fans,” he added.
The KP CM adviser stressed that the PCB chairman should embody professionalism and responsibility.
Earlier, the PCB announced a review of central contracts following the team’s early exit from the tournament. According to sources, players with poor performances are likely to face demotions in the initial phase of contract revisions. Additionally, some players may lose their central contracts altogether.
The consultations, led by Naqvi and other board officials, occurred late into the night preceding this decision.
