Former Pakistan cricket star Shahid Afridi has publicly called for Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Interior Minister, to relinquish one of his dual roles following a controversial incident at the Asia Cup on Sunday. Naqvi, also President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), sparked outrage by reportedly walking off with the Asia Cup trophy, preventing its presentation to the winning team, India. This, coupled with Pakistan’s three defeats to India in the tournament, has intensified scrutiny on Naqvi’s leadership.

Afridi, speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, criticized Naqvi’s ability to manage both high-profile positions effectively. “My request to Naqvi Saheb is that you have two very important posts, and they are big jobs that need time,” Afridi stated. “PCB is totally different from the Interior Ministry, so it must be kept separate.” He emphasized the need for immediate action, noting, “Pakistan cricket needs special attention and time. This is a big decision and should be taken as soon as possible.”

Afridi further questioned Naqvi’s reliance on advisers, stating, “These advisers are taking him nowhere, and he himself says he doesn’t know much about cricket.” He urged Naqvi to appoint competent advisers with deep cricket knowledge to address the PCB’s lack of vision, highlighted by Pakistan’s runner-up finish and poor batting performance in the Asia Cup.

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Despite Afridi’s vocal criticism, sources indicate his calls for Naqvi to step down from one role have gone unheeded. Reports also suggest Afridi raised the issue with Pakistan’s Army Chief, pressing for Naqvi to focus on a single role. Naqvi’s challenges are compounded by his recent appointment as ACC President, following Jay Shah’s move to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The controversy underscores growing concerns over the PCB’s management and its impact on Pakistan cricket’s performance on the global stage.

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