Tag: Mohsin Naqvi

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has granted approval for spectators to attend the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final, offering fans a chance to witness the title decider live at the stadium.

The confirmation was made by Mohsin Naqvi, who revealed that the decision came after multiple requests from franchise owners. The final is scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium on May 3.

The ongoing edition of the tournament has been played behind closed doors due to government-imposed austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption amid a broader regional crisis.

Matches were also limited to fewer venues, with Karachi and Lahore hosting fixtures instead of the originally planned six-city format.

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Naqvi shared that he had personally requested the prime minister to reconsider the no-spectator policy. While the government remained cautious due to ongoing resource conservation efforts, an exception has now been made for the final.

“Dear cricket fans, I requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow spectators in the stadiums,” Naqvi posted on his official X account.

“While he was also inclined to permit fans, he emphasized that austerity measures are currently in place across Pakistan, with efforts underway to minimize fuel consumption.

“However, on the request of franchise owners, he has graciously approved the presence of fans for the PSL 11 Final. I sincerely thank him for this decision and for facilitating the fans.”

READ: Islamabad United script PSL history against Hyderabad Kingsmen

KARACHI: Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi on Monday said he would request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reconsider the decision regarding fan attendance for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Speaking to the media after the Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans clash, Naqvi addressed the question regarding the fans’ entry in stadiums.

The appeal was made while Season 11 of the prestigious tournament was taking place behind closed doors in Karachi and Lahore, in line with the government’s official resource conservation initiatives.

Before the start of the PSL season 11, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi announced that PSL matches would be held without spectators as part of the government’s austerity measures amid the ongoing regional crisis.

“I would request the Prime Minister to permit fans to come to the stadium,” he said.

“We are making decisions keeping the current situation in mind,” he added, saying that the decisions are taken in accordance with the prevailing situation.

Chairman PCB also dismissed comparisons with India, where fans are allowed to watch IPL 2026 matches, asserting that the conditions in Pakistan are different.

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“We do not have a situation like India in our country,” he remarked.

Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will proceed as planned.

“The PSL will continue as per the scheduled plan,” he said.

Chairman PCB further pointed out the need for improvements in the National Bank Stadium facilities and revealed that plans are under consideration to completely demolish the venue.

“The second phase of the upgradation will begin after the PSL ends. We need to bring changes to the stadium infrastructure. Our plan is to rebuild the stadium after demolition, but it depends how much change will it bring [to the overall structure],” he concluded.

READ: Mohammad Haris achieves THIS milestone during Multan Sultans clash

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the recent allegations made by former white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, who cited external “interference” as a key reason behind his premature exit from the role.

Kirsten, who was appointed in April 2024 alongside Test head coach Jason Gillespie, stepped down just six months into what was initially a two-year contract.

His resignation came shortly after the PCB announced squads for the ODI and T20I tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, decisions reportedly made without his involvement.

In a recent interview, Kirsten openly criticised the working environment within Pakistan cricket, highlighting what he described as excessive outside influence.

“The thing that surprised me more than anything was the level of interference. I don’t think I have ever seen it at that level before,” Kirsten said.

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“It is quite difficult for a coach to come and formulate a way that you can work with the players when there is just this constant noise from the outside.”

He further pointed out that coaching staff often become easy targets when results do not go a team’s way.

Kirsten further stated that coaches are always in the firing line when a team ends on the losing side. He noted that removing coaches is often seen as the easiest option and questioned the very purpose of appointing them.

Responding to these claims during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Mohsin Naqvi adopted a measured stance, distancing himself from the controversy and indicating limited direct involvement with the former coach.

“I didn’t have many interactions with Gary Kirsten, so it would be better if those people who were co-ordinating things with him and involved regularly with him responded in detail to his allegations,” Naqvi stated.

READ: Lahore Qalandars confirm Dasun Shanaka replacement for PSL 11

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to take legal action against players who pulled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Naqvi addressed the issue regarding players leaving PSL to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

“We are aware that two to three players have left, and we are taking legal action regarding this,” he told reporters during a press conference.

“However, if you look at previous years and this year, as well as last year, the number of Category A players coming from regions with tensions has remained steady,” he maintained.

The chairman highlighted the players’ pool while downplaying the clash with IPL.

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“Players who had never participated before have also started coming, and the IPL clash is not a major reason for us.”

“If all the top players are going there, we are also seeing good players coming to us,” Mohsin Naqvi explained.

It is worth mentioning that this will be the second consecutive year that the PSL will run concurrently with the IPL in a parallel window.

Earlier today, Lahore Qalandars bought Dasun Shanaka pulled out of PSL 11 to play in the IPL. The all-rounder replaced injured Sam Curran in the Rajasthan Royals.

Besides Shanaka, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has also joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Muzarabani went unsold in the PSL 11 auction but was later picked by Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph.

However, after an impressive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, he was roped in by the KKR.

PSL 11 will be played from March 26 behind closed doors at two venues, Lahore and Karachi.

The opening match will be played between the defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

READ: Dasun Shanaka set to leave PSL for IPL move

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major overhaul to the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, confirming that the tournament will now be staged at only two venues, Karachi and Lahore, with initial matches set to be played without spectators.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the decision during a press conference on Sunday, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and an emerging oil crisis as key factors behind the move.

Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.

However, the board has now reduced the number of venues to just two in order to streamline logistics and address security concerns.

“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.

“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”

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Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL 11 set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.

“The opening ceremony of the league has been cancelled,” he said, adding, “The tournament will begin directly with the match.”

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in the curtain-raiser.

The PCB chief acknowledged the disappointment for fans, particularly in cities like Peshawar and Faisalabad, which were set to host PSL matches for the first time.

He expressed regret over the change in plans but emphasised that the board would aim to deliver high-quality coverage to ensure fans remain engaged.

Naqvi added that a revised schedule reflecting the updated venues will be released in due course.

Despite the changes, the tournament will continue to run until May 3, with the PCB opting to proceed with the league while adapting to the prevailing circumstances.

READ: PSL 11: Karachi Kings announce Johnson Charles replacement

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated on Thursday that he will continue supporting the national men’s hockey team players throughout the current turmoil. 

Naqvi’s remarks came following his meeting with Pakistan hockey players amid the accommodation row they faced during the Pro League leg in Australia.

“We will accommodate hockey players in every possible way. We will extend complete cooperation to streamline hockey affairs,” Naqvi stated.

“You should focus only on the game. Pakistan’s honour comes first. We will not allow the country’s dignity to be compromised under any circumstances,” Naqvi told Hockey players.

He also clarified that he is not becoming the next president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

“I am not becoming Hockey Federation President, but we will assist players till this turmoil ends,” Naqvi wrote on X.

The PCB chairman clarified after Tariq Bugti sent his resignation to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

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Earlier in the day, Tariq Bugti stepped down as President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), with captain Ammad Shakeel Butt handed a two-year ban by the federation.

Bugti submitted his resignation to Shehbaz Sharif and defended his performance in a farewell statement, highlighting improvements in Pakistan’s global standing.

The resignation comes amid fallout from viral videos during the FIH Pro League leg in Australia, which showed Pakistan players living in substandard accommodation due to logistical and financial complications.

Initial hotel bookings were reportedly cancelled over non-payment, forcing team management to arrange alternative lodging with the help of the local community, often with four to five players sharing a single room and bookings falling short of covering the full stay.

On the field, Pakistan endured a disappointing campaign, remaining winless in Australia with defeats against Australia (3-2, 3-0) and Germany (5-2, 6-1).

Looking ahead, Pakistan are scheduled to continue their FIH Pro League campaign with matches against Belgium on June 13 and 20, Spain on June 14, followed by high-profile clashes with arch-rivals India on June 23 and 26, and England on June 24 and 27.

READ: Glenn Maxwell reacts after joining Hyderabad for PSL 11

LAHORE: A high-level International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is set to meet the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, here today to resolve the ongoing deadlock over the India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources revealed.

The much-anticipated fixture between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, widely regarded as one of cricket’s most commercially significant contests, remains uncertain after the Government of Pakistan directed its national team not to take the field against India in Colombo.

The match is scheduled for February 15 and carries massive implications both financially and competitively.

The 20-team tournament has already been clouded by political tensions following Bangladesh’s refusal to play matches in India due to security concerns, a decision that led to their replacement by Scotland.

In response, the Pakistan government barred the national side from participating in the high-profile Group A encounter against co-hosts India.

Pakistan, who opened their campaign with a victory over the Netherlands on February 7, stand to lose two vital points and suffer a significant blow to their net run rate if they forfeit the contest.

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According to sources, the ICC delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, is expected to arrive in Lahore around 4pm.

The delegation will hold discussions with PCB leadership and senior officials to explore a possible way forward.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam is also likely to join the meeting, reflecting the broader regional dimensions of the issue.

Sources further indicated that the ICC has tasked Khwaja with convincing PCB leadership to reconsider Pakistan’s stance, with the governing body keen to find a compromise that ensures the blockbuster encounter proceeds as scheduled.

The outcome of the talks could prove pivotal for the tournament and the future handling of politically sensitive fixtures in international cricket.

READ: Gulbadin Naib achieves major milestone during New Zealand clash

A decision on Pakistan participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to be held in India and Sri Lanka, is expected within days, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday.

Naqvi took to his X handle, revealing the details regarding the decision following a ‘producitve meeting’ with the PM Shehbaz Sharif.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he wrote.

The development comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns.

The ICC’s stance has triggered unease within the PCB, which has publicly backed Bangladesh during the dispute.

Speculation about Pakistan’s participation intensified after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Saturday that the final call will be made by the federal government.

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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands.

Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia, with all of their group matches to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model.

Pakistan are due to face the USA on 10 February, followed by the much-anticipated clash against India on 15 February, before concluding the group stage against Namibia on 18 February.

If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals and final, both matches are slated to be played in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout fixtures will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

READ: Pakistan considering boycott of T20 World Cup clash against India: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is set to hold a meeting with the national cricket team, recently picked for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is slated to start next month.

According to the sources, the chairman will brief the players about participation in the World Cup and share the strategy with them.

The decision on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup will be made after consultation with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A day earlier, Mohsin Naqvi said that the final call on the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be taken by the federal government.

Naqvi’s remarks came after International Cricket Council (ICC) had replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming World Cup following Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the event.

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The ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had been engaged in prolonged discussions over the issue, resulting in the latter’s pull out from the mega event.

Against that backdrop, sources had suggested that Pakistan could also consider boycotting the tournament after Bangladesh’s decision.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that the PCB would not act independently on the matter and would align itself with the government’s position.

“The prime minister [Shehbaz Sharif] is currently not in the country. Once he returns, we will announce a final decision,” Naqvi said when asked about Pakistan’s stance following the ICC’s decision on Bangladesh.

The PCB chairman openly criticised the ICC’s handling of the situation, accusing the governing body of applying double standards and treating Bangladesh unfairly.

“Bangladesh has been treated unjustly. I raised the same point during the ICC board meeting,” Naqvi said.

“You cannot have a situation where one country is allowed to make decisions whenever it wants, while another is denied the same consideration.”

Earlier today, Pakistan revealed their 15 member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. The mega event will be played from 7 February to 8 March across Sri Lanka and India.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (WK), and Usman Tariq.

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday said that a final call on the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be taken by the federal government.

Naqvi’s remarks came after reports emerged that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming World Cup following Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the event.

The ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had been engaged in prolonged discussions over the issue, but failed to reach a compromise.

Earlier this week, the ICC formally rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate their matches from India to Sri Lanka, insisting the existing schedule would remain unchanged and issuing what was effectively a final ultimatum.

Against that backdrop, sources had suggested that Pakistan could also consider boycotting the tournament should Bangladesh withdraw or be forced out.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that the PCB would not act independently on the matter and would align itself with the government’s position.

“The prime minister [Shehbaz Sharif] is currently not in the country. Once he returns, we will announce a final decision,” Naqvi said when asked about Pakistan’s stance following the ICC’s decision on Bangladesh.

The PCB chairman openly criticised the ICC’s handling of the situation, accusing the governing body of applying double standards and treating Bangladesh unfairly.

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“Bangladesh has been treated unjustly. I raised the same point during the ICC board meeting,” Naqvi said.

“You cannot have a situation where one country is allowed to make decisions whenever it wants, while another is denied the same consideration.”

He stressed that Bangladesh should, in his view, be allowed to participate in the World Cup under any circumstances.

“They are a major stakeholder in international cricket. This kind of injustice should not happen,” he added.

Naqvi also alluded to what he described as the BCCI’s influence over ICC decision-making, warning that Pakistan would not accept any form of diktat.

“Bangladesh is the same ICC member as Pakistan,” he said. “If concessions have been made in the past for certain countries, then the same approach should be applied to Bangladesh.”

“One country cannot dictate terms to another. And if any such attempt is made, Pakistan will take its own clear stance,” Naqvi concluded.

READ: Bangladesh replaced by Scotland at T20 World Cup 2026: report