Shahid Afridi Pressures Mohsin Naqvi To Step Down As PCB Chairman Amid Asia Cup Controversies

Shahid Afridi has urged Mohsin Naqvi to resign as PCB chairman following recent Asia Cup missteps. Afridi highlighted the need for dedicated focus on cricket, criticising Naqvi's dual roles and lack of cricket understanding, amidst mounting criticism within cricket circles.

Shahid Afridi has urged Mohsin Naqvi to resign as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman after the Asia Cup fiasco. Afridi, a prominent figure in cricket, expressed doubts about Naqvi's ability to manage both his role as PCB chairman and his duties as Pakistan's Interior Minister. He emphasised that cricket needs dedicated attention, especially during challenging times.

Afridi's concerns are not new. Previously, after the Champions Trophy, he advised Naqvi to treat the PCB role as a full-time job. Following the Asia Cup issues, Afridi reiterated his criticism of Naqvi for neglecting urgent matters in Pakistan cricket. The former all-rounder also accused Naqvi of lacking cricket knowledge and surrounding himself with ineffective advisers.

Naqvi's Dual Roles Under Scrutiny

"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. Besides being PCB chairman and Interior Minister, Naqvi is also the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Afridi stressed that PCB duties differ from those of the Interior Ministry and should be handled separately.

Naqvi faced harsh criticism for several missteps during the Asia Cup. As PCB chief, he was blamed for unnecessary drama when India refused to shake hands with Pakistan players during a group-stage match. Pakistan even threatened to boycott the tournament, accusing match referee Andy Pycroft of inaction over the incident.

Controversies Surrounding Asia Cup Final

The controversy peaked on the final day when India declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi. In response, he chose not to present it at all. Instead, an ACC official removed the trophy and medals from the podium during the post-match ceremony. According to Geo Super, Naqvi later insisted that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav must travel to Dubai's ACC headquarters to collect it personally.

On-field performances were also disappointing for Pakistan despite reaching the final. The gap in quality between India and Pakistan was evident as Suryakumar Yadav's team won all three matches against their rivals, including the final clash.

Future Uncertain for Naqvi

The chaotic events surrounding the final have tarnished the tournament's reputation. Sources told India Today that Naqvi apologised for his actions but maintained he would only award the trophy directly to India's captain. During an ACC meeting on 30 September, BCCI officials criticised Naqvi's behaviour strongly.

With growing dissent within Pakistan's cricket circles and reports of BCCI considering an official complaint against him, Naqvi's future as a cricket administrator seems increasingly uncertain.