PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the major changes made to Pakistan’s Test team during the England series, calling them necessary after two consecutive defeats left Pakistan 2-0 down in the series.
Why did Mohsin Naqvi defend Pakistan Test squad changes?
Mohsin Naqvi said the changes were necessary after Pakistan suffered consecutive defeats against England. He acknowledged the team’s disappointing Test performances but said he would not allow players to be publicly humiliated or lose confidence.
Naqvi also said the selection committee had been asked to justify its squad recommendations following the defeats. He maintained that the changes were made in response to Pakistan’s poor results during the series.
The PCB chairman said he was not concerned about criticism and would continue to accept it. However, he said he would pay attention to criticism from respected former players such as Wasim Akram.
He also rejected claims that he was not devoting enough time to cricket, saying such critics were unaware of the actual situation.
According to Naqvi, some of those criticizing the PCB were more interested in targeting him personally than addressing problems within Pakistan cricket.
What did Mohsin Naqvi say about Pakistan cricket’s rankings?
While acknowledging Pakistan’s poor Test results, Naqvi pointed to improvements in the team’s white-ball cricket during his tenure. He highlighted Pakistan’s fifth-place position in the ICC ODI rankings and sixth-place ranking in T20 cricket.
Naqvi argued that Pakistan’s current white-ball rankings compared favourably with where the team stood before he took charge. His comments came while defending his record amid criticism following the Test series defeats.
He also reiterated that he would not tolerate players being humiliated and maintained that he still had confidence in the squad.
How did Pakistan perform in the England Test series?
Pakistan entered the England series after drawing 1-1 against the West Indies. However, the team suffered a comprehensive defeat in the opening Test, losing by an innings and 103 runs in the absence of Babar Azam.
Pakistan then suffered another heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord’s. England won the match by 194 runs, giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
The defeat was particularly significant because Pakistan had remained unbeaten at Lord’s since 2010 and had won their previous two Tests at the venue.
Seven players were dropped from the Test squad, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed.
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