PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Breaks Silence On Brutal Decision Amid England Tour, Sends Big Message

By Suresh

**A New Movement in the Pavilion: PCB Stands Firm After Mass Squad Overhaul** Namaste, friends. Cricket, like a well-composed *raga*, lives and dies by its rhythm. And right now, Pakistan's rhythm has been shattered — then rebuilt — with a decisive sweep of the baton. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has broken his silence on the board's sweeping decision to send seven players and two coaching staff home mid-series during the England Test tour. With Pakistan trailing 20-0 in the three-match series, the board reached a hard moment. The names sent back home include the ever-reliable WK-bat Mohammed Rizwan, Imamul Haq, and Salman Ali Agha. Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released, replaced by their whiteball counterparts Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. **On the Criticism** "I have never been afraid of criticism, and I never will be," Naqvi told Geo News — calm, as one who has heard the dissonance before. He suggested that many critics carry a personal grievance rather than a true love for Pakistan cricket, adding he would only take criticism seriously if it came from legends like Wasim Akram. The reaction, of course, has been a loud chorus. 1992 World Cup winner Ramiz Raja, batting great Mohammad Yousuf, and ex-coach Mickey Arthur have all publicly slammed the drastic move. **The Scorecard of Record** Yet Naqvi points to the numbers. "Those who say cricket has been destroyed since I came — look at what the rankings were before." Under his stewardship, Pakistan sit 5th in ODIs and 6th in T20Is, though they've slipped to 8th in Tests — a reminder that the longer format still needs its melody restored. The third Test against England begins **Sep 9**, and the new squad listed includes Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Mohammad Abbas and a refreshed group of young hands. A bold reset. Whether it resonates as harmony or discord, only the next three days will tell. 🎶 Source: NDTV Sports