Awakening from a deep slumber following consecutive defeats to the cricket teams of the US and India, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emerged on Sunday with insights that should have been apparent prior to the start of the extended Twenty20 World Cup.
Naqvi acknowledged, albeit belatedly, that he now understands “what was going on in the team” and “the reasons behind the loss to arch-rivals India.” This realization came only after Pakistan’s humiliating defeat by the Indian side, which mirrored the disappointment felt by millions of Pakistani fans who had high hopes for the Babar Azam-led team.
“The defeat against India was disappointing in every sense,” said Naqvi, who also holds the crucial Interior Ministry portfolio, during a media interaction at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. He emphasized that the team’s poor performance highlighted the necessity for a “major surgery.”
Reiterating what was obvious to many cricket enthusiasts before the tournament, Naqvi remarked, “I’m now certain that a major surgery is required.” He assured that the Pakistani nation would soon witness a significant overhaul.
Naqvi pointed out that their primary challenge is to enhance the team’s performance, which is currently at a low point. Looking ahead to upcoming events, he stressed the importance of preparing a strong team for the Champions Trophy 2025.
“The time has come to give a chance to outside talent,” he asserted. “We must endeavor to make the Pakistani cricket team one of the best in the world. The nation does not expect such a disappointing performance from the cricket team,” Naqvi added.
This call for major changes underscores the urgency of addressing the issues within the team to restore its competitive edge and meet the expectations of its supporters.
