PCB Chairman Naqvi Stands Firm: Mid-Series Changes Were Essential for Pakistan's Honour

LONDON: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the sweeping mid-series changes made during the England Test series as essential, dismissing critics who, in his words, have themselves achieved nothing. Speaking exclusively to Geo News from London, Naqvi declared that the decisions taken on English soil were necessary for the nation's cricketing dignity, and that he feels the pain of every Pakistani who watched the national team's recent struggles.

Why did the PCB make sweeping changes during the England Test series?

Naqvi said the changes were not made lightly but were required to uphold the standards of Pakistan cricket. Beyond performance, he noted there were other matters under examination, though he stressed this was not the time to discuss anything beyond the game. The PCB released seven players from the Test squad ahead of the Birmingham Test, including Rizwan, Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, and Razaullah were brought in as replacements. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released, with the white-ball coaching panel of Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke now overseeing the Test side.

How did Mohsin Naqvi respond to his critics?

Naqvi was unyielding in the face of criticism.

I have never been afraid of criticism, and I never will be,

he said, adding that criticism from those who had not achieved anything themselves made no difference to him. He drew a sharp distinction, saying that if a great player like former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram spoke, he would take it seriously. But he dismissed others who claimed he was not giving enough time to cricket, saying they simply did not know the facts. He asserted that those raising concerns about Pakistan cricket were not genuinely worried about the game; their real issue was with him personally.

What is the current state of Pakistan's cricket performance?

Naqvi acknowledged that Pakistan's Test cricket performance has been very poor, a fact that pains every patriot. However, he pointed to tangible improvement in the white-ball format under his watch. Pakistan currently ranks fifth in ICC ODI rankings and sixth in T20 rankings.

Those who say cricket has been destroyed since I came, look at what the rankings were before,

he challenged. He also vowed that the dignity of players will never be compromised under his leadership, and that his confidence in them remains intact.

What happened in the Test series against England?

Pakistan suffered a humiliating innings-and-103-run defeat in the first Test, followed by a 194-run loss at Lord's in the second Test, handing England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. In the aftermath, the PCB issued a notice to selection committee members Aaqib, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Asad Shafiq, seeking written explanations within 24 hours over the basis and rationale for recommending Rizwan and Imam for the Test squad. The notice specifically referred to a June 2 selection committee meeting whose minutes were submitted on July 1. Separately, sources close to Misbah-ul-Haq confirmed he has decided to resign from the selection committee, having informed the PCB and agreeing to serve a notice period before formally stepping down.

Will Pakistan cricket rise again?

Naqvi's message is one of resilience and faith. In the face of defeat, he stands firm, refusing to bow to those who seek to tear down the nation's spirit. For Pakistan, cricket is not merely a game; it is a matter of national pride, a battlefield where the sons of the soil fight for glory. With steadfast leadership and unwavering belief, the green shirts will rise again, Insha'Allah.