Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Friday responded firmly to criticism targeting Pakistan cricket, highlighting notable improvements in the national team’s One Day International (ODI) ranking and overall success rate. While acknowledging that losses deserve analysis, he rejected claims that Pakistan cricket is finished.
Naqvi pointed out that Pakistan’s ODI ranking has risen from eighth to fifth, with the team winning four out of six ODI series recently. He emphasized that the success rate has surged from 24 percent to 73 percent, stressing these are verifiable statistics. Despite these positive indicators, he expressed frustration over persistent negative narratives.
“These facts can be checked and verified. However, the ongoing demoralization of players through criticism must stop,” Naqvi said. He conceded that criticism is warranted following defeats but objected to framing individual losses as evidence of the team’s demise.
In a significant development, Naqvi expressed confidence in Pakistan’s strategic plans to compete effectively against the world’s top cricket teams. “We are developing strategies to overcome leading sides, and I am optimistic about our prospects,” he added.
Meanwhile, the PCB has faced intense backlash after a controversial mid-series overhaul during Pakistan’s Test tour of England. Following heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s, seven players and two coaches were replaced, sparking widespread criticism from fans, analysts, and former cricketers.
Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali warned that such abrupt decisions could foster insecurity among players and advocated for changes to be made within stable frameworks. Similarly, ex-captain Shahid Afridi condemned the overhaul as illogical, particularly questioning the inclusion of T20 specialists in the Test squad and the dismissal of the head coach after only five Tests, calling it the most shocking move by a selection committee with experienced members.
Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also criticized the timing of the changes, highlighting the confusing sequence involving all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, who captained the first Test, was dropped for the second, and sent home before the third. Bhogle further raised concerns about the departure of the head coach, bowling coach, and senior wicketkeeper mid-series, questioning whether replacements would have adequate time to obtain visas and prepare for matches.
Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur labeled the overhaul as “absolutely ridiculous,” attributing Pakistan cricket’s instability to frequent changes in players, coaches, and selectors. Former chief selector Muhammad Wasim echoed this sentiment, blaming inconsistent decision-making and describing the system’s decline as a “circus.”
Notably, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen expressed astonishment at the scale of the changes, while ex-Pakistan cricketer and commentator Bazid Khan described the sweeping mid-series alterations as extreme, even by Pakistan cricket’s standards. Journalist Osman Samiuddin also condemned the decisions, calling the overhaul disgraceful for the team.
