Naqvi now wants support for Pak team
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is feeling as much pressure as Pak team after loss to India. PHOTO: AFP
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has recently moderated his previously firm stance, calling on the nation to rally behind the cricket team during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
The Pakistan team has faced a challenging tournament, losing two out of their three matches, and is now teetering on the edge of an early exit.
Earlier in the week, Naqvi had openly criticized the team following their defeat against India, expressing his disappointment and suggesting that significant changes were necessary.
He remarked that the team’s poor performance indicated a need for a thorough overhaul rather than minor adjustments. “It seemed that a minor surgery would work, but after this bad performance, I’m now sure that a major surgery is required. The nation will soon see a major overhaul,” Naqvi had stated.
Despite his earlier comments, Naqvi is now urging fans to support the team and await the tournament’s conclusion.
Speaking to a local news outlet outside the Parliament House on Wednesday, he indicated that discussions are ongoing and it is premature to delve into specifics at this point.
“The consultation is ongoing and it is not appropriate to discuss [the matter] further at this juncture,” Naqvi said.
When questioned about potential measures following the team’s poor performance, Naqvi advised patience, emphasizing that there are still matches to be played in the league stage.
Naqvi stressed the importance of national support for the team, insisting that “we have to move ahead” with the current squad.
He reassured that the team needs the nation’s backing, and everyone is hoping and praying for their success as the tournament progresses.
Pakistan did not prepare well for T20 WC: Imran Nazir
Former Pakistani cricketer Imran Nazir shared his thoughts on young opener Saim Ayub’s performance in his first T20 World Cup match against Canada on June 11. The match, held at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York, saw Pakistan clinch their first win of the tournament.
When asked about Ayub’s inclusion, Nazir emphasized the importance of having a well-prepared squad with strong bench strength.
“First of all, we should have prepared a squad that possesses bench strength because we do not have such players. When a particular player performs well at some point, the team should capitalize on that by including that player in the playing XI of the match. There are some players who have been given opportunities but didn’t perform well. I would like to ask why the players are not motivated; they should be motivated to do well,” Nazir said.
Speaking specifically about Saim Ayub, Nazir highlighted the challenges faced by new players in high-pressure situations like the World Cup.
“Talking about Saim Ayub, he’s a new player and expecting 40 or 50 runs would not be fair to him, especially in a World Cup which itself is so stressful and when the team is performing so poorly. Anyways, that decision was not too bad. The good thing is that Pakistan has at least won one match of the tournament,” he said.
Pakistan bounced back from consecutive defeats in the T20 World Cup 2024 with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Canada at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
After faltering against the United States (USA) and India in their initial matches, Pakistan showcased a determined performance to secure a much-needed win against Canada.