Mohsin Naqvi Hits Back at Critics, Recalls India’s Loss to Ireland
Pakistan Cricket Board head Mohsin Naqvi has responded to significant criticism of Pakistan cricket by citing surprise failures suffered by other top nations, including as India’s T20I series loss to Ireland in June 2026.
India lost both matches of the two-game series in Belfast, losing by 34 runs on June 26 and 1 run on June 28, to lose the series 2-0. Naqvi used this outcome, along with South Africa’s defeat to Namibia, to argue that upsets are a normal part of modern cricket and not an evidence of systematic failure in Pakistan.
Why did Pakistan panic on their England tour?
During Pakistan’s tour to England, the cricket board took drastic measures, sending seven players home midway through the series and dismissing coaching personnel, including former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
The decisions sparked an unprecedented outpouring of public and media condemnation against the PCB and its leadership. Naqvi agreed that the Test match outcomes were disappointing, but insisted that the actions made were justified.
He also defended his current position by citing the position and status of Pakistan cricket across forms since his takeover.
What did Naqvi remark about Salman Agha’s current appearance?
Salman Agha’s recent form was a particularly hot topic among the players whose places were being scrutinised. Naqvi stated that the board had spoken with Agha and taken steps to support him, rather than just dismissing him from the squad. Naqvi was clear that the board’s focus is on performance rather than punishment.
