Mohsin Naqvi Targeted By Shoaib Akhtar Following T20 World Cup Exit: 'If He Can't...'

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Last Updated:March 01, 2026, 13:00 IST

Shoaib Akhtar criticises Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi and team management after Pakistan's T20 World Cup exit.

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Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has said that although Mohsin Naqvi is one of the most powerful chairmen in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s history, if he cannot build a strong management structure, his power and authority are of no use to the team.

Although Pakistan signed off with a victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 game, they couldn’t improve their net run rate to overtake New Zealand in Group 2, resulting in their elimination from semifinal contention.

Frustrated by Pakistan’s repeated failures to make the semi-finals in four straight ICC events, including league-stage exits at the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, Akhtar tore into the team management, accusing them of being ‘clueless’ when it comes to selection decisions and overall planning.

“Pakistan’s management looks completely clueless. Today’s team selection only confirmed that the XI picked over the last 15 days was wrong. There was one clear error, Saim Ayub should have played instead of Khawaja Nafay," Akhtar said while speaking on Tapmad.

“This selection showed that when you pick the right players for the right roles, they perform. Fakhar Zaman is a natural opener, yet he was not played earlier. Today, Farhan, Fakhar and Abrar all delivered," Akhtar said.

The former Pakistan cricketer blamed Naqvi for the team’s ICC struggles, questioning whether he has the right advisors despite acknowledging his intent and authority to revive Pakistan cricket.

“I have nothing against Mohsin Naqvi. From what I hear, he is a good person. He is one of the most powerful chairmen in Pakistan’s cricket history. He has influence, resources and authority," Akhtar said.

“But if he (Naqvi) can’t build a strong management structure and the team has failed to qualify in four consecutive tournaments, then something is seriously wrong within the board," Akhtar added.

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First Published:

March 01, 2026, 12:58 IST

News cricket Mohsin Naqvi Targeted By Shoaib Akhtar Following T20 World Cup Exit: 'If He Can't...'

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