'Pakistan cricket is not finished', Naqvi replies to critics

Following heavy defeats in two Tests against England, a major shake-up has begun in Pakistan cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to drop seven cricketers and two coaches has drawn sharp criticism from former players and cricket analysts. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remains unfazed by the criticism.

Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, told Geo News in an interview that he has never feared criticism and never will. He asked critics who claim Pakistan's cricket has declined since he took charge to compare the current situation with the country's cricket rankings before his tenure.

The PCB chairman said he does not view all criticism the same way. While he values opinions from the likes of legendary former captain Wasim Akram, he dismisses much of the criticism as out of touch with reality, saying there is no need to pay attention to those who are not sufficiently informed about the current situation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has decided to send several senior cricketers back home from the England tour. Those dropped include Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. They have been replaced in the Test squad by Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jr, Saad Baig and Mohammad Imran Randhawa, among others.

The changes have not been limited to players. The PCB has also sought explanations from the selectors, issuing show-cause notices over the decisions to retain Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan in the Test side. Additionally, white-ball coach Mike Hesson has been handed charge of the Test team, while Ashley Noffke has been appointed as bowling coach.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has stepped down from the selection committee and also resigned from his role as batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Despite the upheaval, Naqvi insisted the PCB is moving in the right direction and the results of the decisions taken will be visible in due course.