Mohsin Naqvi, currently at the heart of a controversy following an incident at the Asia Cup where he reportedly did not allow the trophy to be handed to the winners, India, is now facing calls to choose between his two significant roles: Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Interior Minister. This demand has arisen from a widespread sentiment that he has failed to adequately manage the responsibilities associated with both positions. According to a report, former all-rounder Shahid Afridi has explicitly urged Naqvi to step down from one of his posts, especially after Pakistan`s recent struggles in the Asia Cup.
Adding to his complex situation, Naqvi also serves as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), a position he assumed after India`s Jay Shah transitioned to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
While Pakistan did reach the final of the regional tournament, their three defeats to India in the Asia Cup have provoked severe criticism, particularly concerning the team`s batting performance and the PCB`s perceived lack of strategic vision. Consequently, Naqvi`s leadership of the cricket board is now under intense scrutiny, as detailed in a report by Telecom Asia Sport on Tuesday.
Shahid Afridi voiced his concern, stating, “My request or advice to Naqvi Saheb is that you have two very important posts, and they are big jobs and need time. PCB is totally different from the interior ministry, so it must be kept separate.”
The report further quoted Afridi emphasizing the necessity of an immediate decision:
“It would be a big decision and should be taken as soon as possible. Pakistan cricket needs special attention and time.”
Afridi also critiqued Naqvi`s current team of advisors, noting, “Naqvi cannot rely totally on advisers. These advisers are taking him nowhere, and he himself says that he doesn`t know much about cricket.” He reiterated the need for Naqvi to “appoint good and competent advisers who know about the game.”
The report highlighted Afridi`s consistent public advocacy for Naqvi to resolve his conflict of interest concerning the dual roles, indicating that these calls have largely gone unheeded. Sources further suggested that Afridi even approached the country`s powerful Army Chief, requesting him to advise Naqvi to relinquish one of his positions and focus entirely on the other.
