PCB Chairman Naqvi Defends Pakistan Team Against Criticism

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has strongly defended the national team and its management against widespread criticism following heavy Test losses to England, stating that those who claim the country's cricket is finished have "never achieved anything in their lives." Speaking to media in London on Wednesday, Naqvi acknowledged the team's poor performance in the ongoing series but argued that recent setbacks do not define the sport's overall health in Pakistan. Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs and the second Test by 194 runs, leaving them trailing 0-2 in the three-match series. In response to the defeats, the PCB made a major overhaul, sending seven players home and replacing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. The changes sparked significant controversy, including the resignation of former captain Misbah-ul-Haq from the national selection committee in protest. Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, dismissed the notion that the team's situation is terminal.