Turmoil in Pakistan cricket: Shahid Afridi urges PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to resign

Pakistan cricket superstar Shahid Afridi has urged Mohsin Naqvi to step down as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, reiterating his stance in the wake of the Asia Cup disaster. Afridi, one of the most influential figures in the game, said it is unrealistic to juggle the responsibilities of a leading cricket administrator while simultaneously serving as Pakistan's Interior Minister, stressing that the sport requires full attention during a period of crisis.

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This is not the first time Afridi has spoken out against Naqvi's multi-tasking. Following the Champions Trophy, Afridi had already advised Naqvi to treat the PCB chairman's position as a full-time commitment. After the recent Asia Cup debacle, the former all-rounder has doubled down, criticising Naqvi for failing to address pressing issues within Pakistan cricket. Afridi, a T20 World Cup winner, went further, claiming that Naqvi lacks knowledge of the game and has surrounded himself with poor advisers.

"My request or advice to Naqvi Saheb is that these are two very important posts, and they are big jobs that need time," Afridi was quoted as saying by Telecom Asia Sport.

In addition to his dual roles as PCB chairman and Interior Minister, Naqvi also serves as president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

"PCB is totally different from the Interior Ministry, so it must be kept separate. 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," Afridi added.

Afridi's bold call comes as Naqvi faces intense criticism over a series of missteps during the Asia Cup. As PCB chief, he was accused of orchestrating needless drama after India refused to shake hands with Pakistan players during their group-stage match. Pakistan even threatened to boycott the tournament, blaming match referee Andy Pycroft for not acting on the snub. Their subsequent game against the UAE was delayed by an hour due to the fallout from the failed boycott threat.

Naqvi also came under fire for sharing a provocative social media post alluding to the military skirmish between India and Pakistan that followed the terror attack in Pahalgam.

On the field, Pakistan's cricket left much to be desired despite their progression to the final. The gulf in quality between India and Pakistan was brutally exposed as Suryakumar Yadav's men won all three encounters against their arch-rivals, including the title clash.

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The controversy reached its peak on the day of the final. After India refused to accept the trophy from him, Naqvi, in his capacity as ACC president, chose not to present the silverware at all. Instead, an ACC official was seen removing the trophy and winners' medals from the podium during the post-match ceremony.

According to Geo Super, Naqvi later insisted that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav would have to travel to the ACC headquarters in Dubai to collect the trophy in person.

Sources told India Today that Naqvi subsequently apologised for his conduct on the day of the final but maintained that he would only award the trophy directly to the Indian team captain. During an ACC meeting on 30 September, BCCI officials, including vice-president Rajeev Shukla, strongly criticised Naqvi for his behaviour.

Pakistan's underwhelming showing in the Asia Cup, coupled with the chaotic events surrounding the final, has tainted the reputation of the tournament. With the BCCI reportedly considering an official complaint against him and dissenting voices growing louder within Pakistan's cricketing circles, the minister's future as a cricket administrator appears increasingly uncertain.

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Published By:

Akshay Ramesh

Published On:

Oct 1, 2025

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