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‘Look at the rankings before’: Naqvi hits back at critics over Pakistan’s Test overhaul

Published : Thursday, 3 September, 2026 at 7:43 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the board’s decision to make sweeping changes to the Test squad and coaching staff, urging critics to look at Pakistan’s rankings before judging his tenure.

The PCB came under heavy criticism after sending seven players home and releasing Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul following Pakistan’s two defeats in the first two Tests against England. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke have taken charge of the Test side for the third and final match.

Speaking to Pakistani media outlet Geo News, Naqvi said he had never been afraid of criticism and would not be intimidated by it. He also questioned the motives of some of his critics, arguing that their objections were driven by personal issues rather than genuine concern for Pakistan cricket.

Naqvi said he would have taken the criticism more seriously if it had come from a legendary former Pakistan cricketer such as Wasim Akram. He also rejected claims that Pakistan cricket had deteriorated under his leadership, pointing instead to the team’s improvement in white-ball cricket and asking critics to compare the rankings before and after his tenure.

The PCB’s overhaul followed Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the three-match series against England. The seven players sent home were Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.

The decision has triggered strong reactions from former Pakistan cricketers and coaches, with critics questioning the wisdom of making such sweeping changes in the middle of an ongoing Test series. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja and former coach Mickey Arthur have been among those to criticize the PCB’s approach.

Naqvi, however, has described the changes as necessary for the team’s progress. Pakistan will now face England in the third Test with a significantly reshaped squad, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke leading the coaching setup. The final Test is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9, with England already holding an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

-NS

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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