PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Disappointed with Senior Players, Orders Focus on Young Talent

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly expressed extreme disappointment over the performance of the national team’s senior and experienced players and has directed the PCB think tank to focus on developing junior cricketers for the future.

The PCB has remained in the spotlight following Pakistan’s disappointing performance during the ongoing tour of England and a series of emergency measures taken by the board.

Speculation continues within Pakistan cricket circles after wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq were sent back to Pakistan. Meanwhile, Mohsin Naqvi is said to be deeply dissatisfied with the performances of the national team’s senior and experienced players.

After Pakistan’s defeat in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Naqvi had spoken about the need for major changes, often described as a “surgery” of the team. However, several of the same players were given further opportunities.

Pakistan then suffered an early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after losing to New Zealand and India within five days. The team also lost three consecutive matches against India in the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai and failed to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

Pakistan’s poor run continued during the England tour, where the national side suffered an innings and 103-run defeat in the first Test at Leeds before losing the Lord’s Test by 194 runs. The defeats have prompted the PCB to consider major changes within the team.

Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were recalled to Pakistan on an emergency basis, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were relieved of their duties. Five more players were also dropped from the squad.

Sources said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is holding consultations on further tough decisions that could be announced in the coming days.

Naqvi, who assumed charge as PCB chairman in February 2024, is reportedly keen to move away from reliance on underperforming senior players and provide greater opportunities to young and junior cricketers who can lead the national team in the future.

In this regard, the PCB chairman has directed officials to adopt a policy of giving maximum opportunities and full confidence to Under-19 and junior players. He has also issued clear instructions regarding greater transparency in selection matters and has reportedly told the selection committee not to repeatedly give chances to experienced players who have failed to perform.