Tag: Mohsin Naqvi

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), heaped high praise on the national men’s cricket team over the historic ODI series victory against Australia.

Pakistan, under newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, defeated Australia in the third ODI by eight wickets in Perth to win their first series Down Under since 2002.

The visitors lost the first match of the three-match series by two wickets, however, they staged an impressive comeback to win the series 2-1.

After the match, Mohsin Naqvi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Pakistan cricket team over their historic victory in Australia.

“Congratulations to the national cricket team on defeating Australia in the ODI series,” said the PCB chairman.

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“By defeating a strong team like Australia on their home ground, the players have made the nation proud. All players and management deserve praise for this historic victory.”

Naqvi further praised the team for their performance in all three departments of the game.

“Our players outclassed Australia in fielding, bowling, and batting, bringing joy to the faces of the entire nation with this victory,” he added.

Mohsin Naqvi further applauded key performers, who played a key role in Pakistan’s victory throughout the series.

“The excellent bowling performances from Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf helped dismiss Australia for a low score,” the chairman stated.

“Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique batted responsibly to secure the victory,” he added. “Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan also played their role with the bat excellently.”

READ: Pakistan secure historic ODI series victory in Australia after 22-year drought

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Friday responded to the reports of India refusing to visit Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in the February- March window in 2025, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Furthermore, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), that Team India will not be visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing security concerns.

The reports also suggest that the BCCI has expressed their desire to move their matches to Dubai.

Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in an interaction with the media, revealed that the cricket board has not received any official confirmation from the BCCI about not visiting Pakistan for the global eight-team tournament.

“Although there’s a lot of talk [in media] that India may not come, we have received no official statement [from the BCCI],” said Naqvi.

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“Our stance is that India should give us a written confirmation if they are not coming for the Champions Trophy.”

Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that the PCB is not considering a hybrid model and is determined to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

“We maintain that the Champions Trophy will only be hosted in Pakistan, and there’s been no discussion of a hybrid model,” he added.

“We will provide all necessary facilities to all visiting teams, and we hope international fans will come here to watch the matches.”

For the unversed, India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: India not to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy: reports

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Monday commended the team’s performance during the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia.

Pakistan’s batting line-up was folded for a meagre 203 runs after being invited to bat first at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, the bowlers kept Pakistan in the match as they fought hard to defend the paltry total.

The hosts slipped from 113-2 to 155-7, courtesy of brilliant pace bowling by Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

But Australian captain Pat Cummins held on to his nerves and steered his side to a thrilling two-wicket victory with an unbeaten 32-run knock.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the Pakistani players for their gutsy performance despite the defeat.

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He took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and commended the performance while expressing hope that the team would make a resounding comeback in the series.

“Well done Pakistan Team for fighting a tough match against Australia! You boys gave it your all and fought in the best possible way. It’s only the first match, and we’re confident you’ll make us proud. Keep pushing,” Naqvi posted.

It’s worth noting that the second match of the series will be played on 8 November in Adelaide, while Perth will host the third ODI on 10 November.

The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I series, scheduled to commence on November 14.

Brisbane will host the first T20I, with the next matches scheduled for November 16 and 18 in Sydney and Hobart, respectively.

READ: PCB Chairman expresses satisfaction with Gaddafi Stadium upgradation

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing upgradation work at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The Gaddafi Stadium upgradation project has reached approximately 50% completion, with significant progress observed in the construction of enclosures and the main building floors, which are now in their final stages.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

But Mohsin Naqvi remained optimistic that all eight teams will visit Pakistan to participate in the ICC event.

Naqvi recently conducted a detailed visit to Gaddafi Stadium to oversee the project’s development. He also inspected the construction of a cricket museum and souvenir shop within the main building.

During his visit, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi observed accelerated progress in enclosure renovations and main building flooring, with the work on floors nearing completion.

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He held a meeting at the FWO camp office, where project drawings were presented to assess the key design elements.

Chairman Naqvi emphasized the need to keep the parking area spacious and instructed that the external appearance of the main building be made visually appealing.

Additionally, he directed FWO and other relevant authorities to complete the construction within the stipulated timeframe.

The PCB chairman said the importance of completing the renovations by the Champions Trophy, adding that Gaddafi Stadium is being transformed to meet international standards with improved facilities for players and spectators.

“Our goal is to have Gaddafi Stadium ready ahead of the Champions Trophy, meeting international standards,” stated Mohsin Naqvi. “We’re enhancing facilities for players and cricket fans alike.”

PCB officials including the director of infrastructure, director of domestic, senior general manager of infrastructure, and officials from FWO and NESPAK were also present in the meeting.

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KARACHI: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket (PCB), visited the National Bank Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday to inspect the ongoing construction work ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

But Mohsin Naqvi remained and reiterated that all eight teams will visit Pakistan to participate in the ICC event.

During his visit to the stadium, Naqvi thoroughly reviewed the ongoing upgradation work. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the fan experience by directing the team to relocate the electronic score screen to a more suitable position.

This adjustment aims to ensure that the screen does not obstruct the view of the spectators, allowing everyone to enjoy the game without impediments.

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“We want fans to have an uninterrupted view of the matches, so adjusting the screen placement is a priority,” said the PCB chairman.

Furthermore, he instructed that the parking area be relocated to a spot nearer to the stadium, enhancing accessibility and ensuring greater convenience for fans attending the events.

The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) briefed the chairman about the progress of the renovations at the National Stadium. Adviser Aamir Mir and National Stadium Manager Arshad Khan were also present on the occasion.

Naqvi instructed the FWO Official to complete the stadium upgradation in time for the Champions Trophy.

“The upgradation project should be accelerated with day and night efforts for the tournament,” he stated.

READ: “Selection committee to decide Fakhar Zaman’s future,” says Mohsin Naqvi

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday, addressed the prospects of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

But Mohsin Naqvi, in a casual interaction with the media in Karachi, reiterated that all eight teams will visit Pakistan to participate in the ICC event.

“Do not worry, all teams will come to Pakistan to play Champions Trophy,” Naqvi told reporters.

The PCB chief also provided a timeframe regarding the upgradation of major stadiums, a crucial task for the cricketing body to host the multi-national tournament.

“The upgradation of stadiums will be completed by December 15,” Naqvi said.

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Naqvi also broke silence on the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan’s white-ball squads and central contracts, stating selection committee will decide the batter’s future.

The PCB chief asserted that he never intervened in the selection process while addressing the concerns regarding Fakhar’s saga.

“I don’t interfere in any player’s selection. The selection committee will decide whether Fakhar Zaman will be in the team or not,” said Naqvi.

“I never told [selection committee] to select or drop a certain player,” he added.

The PCB, on Sunday, announced the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, along with the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe.

However, Fakhar Zaman’s name was missing from the central contract list and squads for the upcoming tours.

During a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, a journalist asked the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, if Fakhar Zaman was left out due to his social media post defending Babar Azam.

In response, Naqvi acknowledged the controversy surrounding Fakhar’s social media post, which has been deemed a violation of the central contract.

However, he emphasized that the primary factor leading to Fakhar’s exclusion was due to concerns over the batter’s fitness.

READ: PCB chief meets Rizwan, Salman ahead of Australia tour

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi broke silence on the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan’s white-ball squads and central contracts, stating selection committee will decide the batter’s future.

In a casual interaction with the media in Karachi, the PCB chief asserted that he never intervened in the selection process while addressing the concerns regarding Fakhar’s saga.

“I don’t interfere in any player’s selection. The selection committee will decide whether Fakhar Zaman will be in the team or not,” said Naqvi.

“I never told [selection committee] to select or drop a certain player,” he added.

The PCB, on Sunday, announced the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, along with the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe.

However, Fakhar Zaman’s name was missing from the central contract list and squads for the upcoming tours.

During a press conference in Lahore, a journalist asked the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, if Fakhar Zaman was left out due to his social media post defending Babar Azam.

In response, Naqvi acknowledged the controversy surrounding Fakhar’s social media post, which has been deemed a violation of the central contract.

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However, he emphasized that the primary factor leading to Fakhar’s exclusion was due to concerns over the batter’s fitness.

“There is the tweet issue definitely. But that doesn’t matter as much as his fitness tests. He had two issues: the fitness test and the show-cause notice, which is still pending. That is why he hasn’t been included (in the central contracts list),” Naqvi said.

“If a player is dropped by the selection committee, another player starts tweeting against it. This isn’t allowed and will not be permitted. However, the bigger issue is his fitness test.”

Remember, Fakhar Zaman expressed his disappointment through a social media post over the selection committee’s decision to drop star batter Babar Azam after the first Test against England.

Consequently, the PCB issued a show-cause notice to the left-hander over breaching the Code of Conduct.

READ: PCB chief meets Rizwan, Salman ahead of Australia tour

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday, held a meeting with newly-appointed white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and his deputy Salman Ali Agha ahead of the national team’s tour to Australia.

In a meeting that was also attended by PCB COO Salman Naseer, Naqvi wished the captain and vice-captain good luck for the crucial white-ball series against Australia.

He expressed his confidence in the players to showcase their talent on the stiff tour before emphasizing team unity key to success.

“Leading the white-ball team is an honour,” Naqvi said.

“The nation expects a remarkable performance from the team during the Australia and Zimbabwe series. Our players are talented and professional, and I am confident they will showcase their best talent.

“Playing as a united team and fighting till the last ball are keys to success. If the team performs as one unit, no one can defeat you.”

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In response, white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and deputy Salman Ali Agha expressed gratitude towards Mohsin Naqvi for entrusting them with the leadership of the national white-ball side.

The duo also vowed to make every effort to meet nation’s expectations and flair well on tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.

“We are determined to perform well during the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe,” Rizwan said.

“We will make every effort to meet the nation’s expectations,” he added.

Pakistan Squad for Australia Tour

ODI SQUAD: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (vc) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

T20I SQUAD: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan.

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The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has explained the reason behind the exclusion of opening batter Fakhar Zaman from the central contracts as well as white-ball squads for the tour of Australia and Zimbabwe.

Earlier today, the cricket board announced the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, along with the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe.

The Australia tour will run from 4-18 November, while the matches in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, will be played from 24 November to 5 December.

However, Fakhar Zaman’s name was missing from the central contract list and squads for the upcoming tours.

During a press conference in Lahore, a journalist asked the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, if Fakhar was left out due to his social media post defending Babar Azam.

In response, Naqvi acknowledged the controversy surrounding Fakhar’s social media post, which has been deemed a violation of the central contract.

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However, he emphasized that the primary factor leading to Fakhar’s exclusion was due to concerns over the batter’s fitness.

“There is the tweet issue definitely. But that doesn’t matter as much as his fitness tests. He had two issues: the fitness test and the show-cause notice, which is still pending. That is why he hasn’t been included (in the central contracts list),” Naqvi said.

“If a player is dropped by the selection committee, another player starts tweeting against it. This isn’t allowed and will not be permitted. However, the bigger issue is his fitness test.”

For the unversed, earlier this month Fakhar Zaman expressed his disappointment through a social media post over the selection committee’s decision to drop star batter Babar Azam after the first Test against England.

Consequently, the PCB issued a show-cause notice to the left-hander over breaching the Code of Conduct.

READ: Mohammad Rizwan opens up after his appointment as white-ball captain

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali for leading Pakistan to a 2-1 series victory over England on Saturday.

Pakistan’s decision to make four massive changes after the first Test thrashing paid off as their spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, coming in as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah’s replacement, gave a new life to the struggling hosts.

The spin duo claimed 39 out of 40 England wickets to fall in the remaining two Tests, coupled with handy and timely cameos to further traumatize the touring side.

Their mastery of spin steered Pakistan to their first home Test series victory since 2021.

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For their unmatched grit and character, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi heaped praise on Sajid Khan and Noman Ali alongside first innings centurion Saud Shakeel.

“The national players won by playing the best game. Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali proved their skills by bowling brilliantly. Saud Shakeel scored a century and showed excellent batting. The team put up a brilliant performance and won the Test series,” said Naqvi.

“This win will boost the morale of the players. The players along with the nation were waiting for such a glorious victory. The new players justified their inclusion in the team with performances,” he added.

England had a flying start to the three-match series as they blew Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs in the opening fixture before the home side scripted an astounding comeback with a 152-run victory in the second Test, followed by a series-clinching nine-wicket victory in the decider.

READ: Shan Masood reacts after “special” Test series victory over England