Shahid Afridi warns PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi after Pakistan's Asia Cup debacle - 'It would be a big decision'

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has urged Mohsin Naqvi to step down from one of his two positions - either as Pakistan Cricket Board chairman or as Minister of Interior.

Afridi believes Pakistan cricket requires full attention, which Naqvi cannot provide while managing both roles simultaneously.



Naqvi's tenure as PCB chairman since 2024 has been marked by challenges. Under his leadership, Pakistan has struggled in home Test matches, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and now in the Asia Cup.

Despite improved performance under new coach Mike Hesson, the team's showing in the 2025 Asia Cup was mixed, with victories overshadowed by three losses against India.

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"My request or advice to Naqvi Saheb is that these are two very important posts, and they are big jobs that need time. PCB is totally different from the Interior Ministry, so it must be kept separate," Afridi told Telecom Asia Sport.

"It would be a big decision and should be taken as soon as possible. Pakistan cricket needs special attention and time… 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 needs to appoint good and competent advisers who know about the game."

Naqvi's responsibilities have expanded further with his appointment as chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). His leadership during the 2025 Asia Cup was marked by controversy, particularly regarding his interactions with India.

The tournament's conclusion was notable for an incident during the trophy presentation. When India emerged victorious, they expressed reluctance to receive the trophy from Naqvi, citing his previous anti-India positions.

In response, Naqvi left the stadium with the winners' trophy.

“Indian media thrives on lies, not facts. Let me make it absolutely clear: I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI nor will I ever do so,” Naqvi recently wrote in a post on X.

“This fabricated nonsense is nothing but cheap propaganda, aimed only at misleading their own people. Unfortunately, India continues to drag politics into cricket, damaging the very spirit of the game.”

These events have added to the growing pressure on Naqvi, who continues to balance his multiple roles in Pakistani cricket administration and government. His effectiveness in managing these diverse responsibilities has become a subject of discussion in cricket circles.


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