Jay Shah's ICC Appointment Triggers Succession Discussions in BCCI and ACC

Jay Shah’s ICC Appointment Triggers Succession Discussions in BCCI and ACC

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has made history by becoming the new International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman. This significant appointment has sparked discussions about his successor in the Indian board and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

As Shah assumes the ICC role, he will relinquish his positions as BCCI secretary and ACC chairman. According to reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is the frontrunner to replace Shah as the ACC boss.

A source quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency claims that Naqvi is set to take over as the new ACC president for a two-year term. “When the ACC meets later this year, it will confirm that Naqvi will be the next president for a two-year term,” the source said. “When Jay Shah steps down, the PCB chief will take over.”

Upon his election as the ICC Chairman, Shah expressed his commitment to working closely with the ICC team and member nations to further globalize cricket. He emphasized the importance of balancing multiple formats, promoting technology, and introducing marquee events to new markets.

Shah also highlighted the significance of cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, stating that it represents a major growth opportunity for the sport. He expressed confidence that it will drive cricket forward in unprecedented ways.

The appointment of Naqvi as the ACC chairman is expected to be formally announced later this year. This move will mark a significant change in the leadership of both the ICC and ACC, with both organizations set to embark on new chapters under their respective new leaders.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Criticized for Handling of Team After Bangladesh Defeat

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Criticized for Handling of Team After Bangladesh Defeat

Pakistan’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi has sparked outrage among fans and former players alike. Ahmad Shahzad, a veteran Pakistani cricketer, has taken to social media to criticize Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his handling of the team.

Shahzad questioned Naqvi’s understanding of cricket and expressed disappointment with his leadership decisions. He highlighted Pakistan’s historic first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh as a testament to Naqvi’s ineffectiveness.

“This is what happens if you don’t make changes in time. You got scared and you did not make decisions,” Shahzad tweeted.

Shahzad continued his criticism by questioning Naqvi’s effectiveness since assuming the role of PCB chairman earlier this year. “I was told that Mohsin Naqvi was a brave, resolute, and shrewd man with extreme power when he became the PCB chief. It was being said that if anyone could change the PCB, it would be Naqvi. But we have not seen it yet, and whatever he has done so far, this much is clear that Mohsin Naqvi has absolutely no idea about cricket,” Shahzad wrote.

Naqvi took over the PCB with promises of significant changes following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, especially after their loss to India. However, Shahzad pointed out that Naqvi’s promises of reform have not materialized.

“When you lost to India in the T20 World Cup 2024, to keep people quiet, you said that you will do a surgery on Pakistan cricket. But you failed to do it. You lied to people just like others in the past. What did you think? That you would buy time? That after you beat Bangladesh in the Test series, people will go a little quiet and then you will implement your changes, but that did not happen,” he said.

The defeat has increased scrutiny on Pakistan’s cricket setup, as they have now lost four consecutive Test matches, including a 3-0 series whitewash against Australia earlier this year. Their last home Test win was against South Africa in early 2021. These ongoing struggles have led to growing frustration among fans and commentators, questioning the direction of the team under current management.

Shahzad also criticized the enduring influence of certain individuals within Pakistan cricket, suggesting a stagnation in the sport’s governance. “The people that have been running Pakistan cricket for the last 12-15 years, they are still calling the shots. It has culminated in Bangladesh beating Pakistan for the first time in a Test match. I have never seen this in my life,” he remarked.

PCB Chief Blames Lack of Quality Players for Pakistan's Humiliating Defeat

PCB Chief Blames Lack of Quality Players for Pakistan’s Humiliating Defeat

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his disappointment over the team’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the Rawalpindi Test. This was the first time Pakistan had lost to Bangladesh in the longest format of the game, sending shockwaves through the nation.

Naqvi attributed the loss to multiple factors, including skipper Shan Masood’s captaincy, team selection, the performances of top batters like Babar Azam, and the inability of pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah to deliver with the ball.

Former Pakistan cricketers have also criticized the selectors for not picking talented players from the domestic pool. However, Naqvi believes that there aren’t many quality players in Pakistan’s domestic pool to choose from.

“It was a very disappointing loss,” Naqvi said. “The problem is the selection committee has no pool to turn to.”

Naqvi had promised a “surgery” after Pakistan’s early elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024, but the same problems resurfaced in the first Test against Bangladesh. While the PCB chief remains keen to find a solution, he admitted that there aren’t many quality players to choose from.

“We want to fix our problems,” Naqvi said, “but when we look at how to resolve them, we don’t have any solid data or (elite) players pool which we can draw from.”

After the first match, Pakistan captain Shan Masood accepted that mistakes were made by him and the team.

“Never to make an excuse, it (the pitch) didn’t play the way we thought it would. Also the weather had been around in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, it rained around 8-9 days before the first day of play. Firstly looking at the pitch, we expected it to do a bit more. With three pace bowlers, they were gonna be pushed to the limit. At the end of the day, we got it wrong,” he said.

PCB Chairman Raises Alarm Over Lack of Depth in Pakistan Cricket

PCB Chairman Raises Alarm Over Lack of Depth in Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed concern over the lack of depth in the national team, highlighting the absence of a robust feeder system to replace underperforming players.

Naqvi’s comments come after Pakistan’s historic Test defeat to Bangladesh, a result that has raised questions about the team’s overall strength. He acknowledged that the selection committee faces a shortage of viable options to replace struggling players.

“The problem is the selection committee has no pool to turn to from which to select players,” Naqvi said. “We need to fix our problems, but we don’t have any solid data or player pool to draw from.”

Naqvi believes that the newly created Champions Cup, a domestic one-day tournament, will provide a platform to identify and develop talented players. He emphasized the importance of data and records in making informed selection decisions.

“This Cup will make domestic cricket strong, we’ll have a pool of 150 players, and then the selection committee will do the necessary surgery,” Naqvi said. “We can’t dump someone unless we have a better one to replace them.”

Naqvi also defended the selection committee’s decision not to play a frontline spinner in the Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh, stating that it was a tactical choice made by the captain, coach, and team management.

However, Naqvi acknowledged the need for systemic improvements in the domestic structure, which has been plagued by neglect and frequent changes. He emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable pipeline of talented players to ensure the long-term success of the national team.

Waqar Younis' PCB Advisory Stint Concludes After Three Weeks

Waqar Younis’ PCB Advisory Stint Concludes After Three Weeks

Former Pakistan cricket captain Waqar Younis’ three-week tenure as an advisor on cricket affairs to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman has concluded. Appointed as a consultant on August 1, Younis’ role was initially set for a three-week period.

According to sources within the PCB, the board has advertised the position of advisor on cricket affairs, and candidates who have applied will be interviewed. It remains unclear whether Younis has reapplied for the role.

Sources indicate that Younis, who played 87 Tests and 262 ODIs for Pakistan, had requested a short stint in the role before committing to a longer-term position. However, it is reported that Younis faced discomfort in his consultancy role, with limited cooperation from influential individuals within the board.

Younis was present with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi after his appointment but has not attended the office since August 19. Sources suggest that Younis may be offered a field job with the national team in the future, but his short-term consultancy has ended.

PCB Unveils Major Domestic Cricket Overhaul with New Champions Tournaments

PCB Unveils Major Domestic Cricket Overhaul with New Champions Tournaments

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its domestic cricket structure, introducing three new competitions and significantly enhancing player contracts and match fees. The ambitious plan aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket and elevate Pakistan’s standing in the global cricketing landscape.

The centerpiece of the new structure is the Champions tournament, a five-team competition that will span across formats. The Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves will compete in the Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup, and Champions Pentagular (first-class cricket). The tournaments will run from September 2024 to August 2025, effectively extending the domestic season by almost a year.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for innovation and strategic enhancements to restore Pakistan’s cricketing prowess. He believes that the Champions tournaments will create an environment that mirrors the intensity of international cricket, fostering the development of top-tier players.

The Champions tournaments will feature around 150 of Pakistan’s most talented and consistent domestic performers, including centrally-contracted players. The selection process remains to be determined, but the plan has received the endorsement of Waqar Younis, the newly appointed advisor to the chair on cricket affairs.

Each of the five teams will have a potential owner and mentor, in addition to a dedicated high-performance center and a full complement of coaching staff. The PCB has also raised domestic player contracts, with Category 1 players now earning PKR 550,000, Category 2 players earning PKR 400,000, and Category 3 players earning PKR 250,000.

Match fees have also been increased significantly, with white-ball matches now paying PKR 125,000 (50-over cricket) and PKR 100,000 (T20 cricket), while red-ball matches will pay PKR 200,000.

The PCB’s bold initiative aims to create a more competitive and rewarding domestic cricket environment, fostering the development of world-class players and ultimately elevating Pakistan’s standing in international cricket.

Pakistan Players to Receive USD 100,000 Each for T20 World Cup Victory

Pakistan Players to Receive USD 100,000 Each for T20 World Cup Victory

Pakistan’s cricket board has announced a hefty incentive for its T20 World Cup squad, promising each player a staggering USD 100,000 if they emerge victorious in the tournament scheduled for June in the Americas. The announcement was made by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting with the team before their departure for the away T20 series against Ireland and England.

Naqvi emphasized that the prize money was secondary to the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy, expressing his confidence in the team’s ability to bring glory to Pakistan. “Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi announced to give 100,000 dollars prize to every player for winning the T20 World Cup,” the PCB posted on social media.

The PCB chief urged the players to focus solely on their performance and teamwork, assuring them that victory would follow. He also expressed his belief in the unity of the team and the exceptional abilities of fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. “The country has a lot of expectations from you. You have to fulfill them,” Naqvi told the players.

During his visit, Naqvi also recognized the achievements of wicketkeeper-batter Mohamad Rizwan and pacer Naseem Shah, presenting them with special shirts for reaching milestones of 3,000 T20 runs and 100 T20 wickets, respectively.

The announcement of the prize money has generated excitement among the players and fans alike, raising expectations for Pakistan’s performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team will be looking to build on their recent successes, including their victory in the Asia Cup 2022, as they aim to bring home the coveted trophy.

Afridi's T20 Captaincy in Jeopardy as PCB Defers Decision

Afridi’s T20 Captaincy in Jeopardy as PCB Defers Decision

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s tenure as Pakistan’s T20 captain hangs in the balance after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi declined to confirm his continuation in the role. Naqvi stated that the newly appointed selection committee will determine the captaincy, leaving Afridi’s future uncertain.

Afridi’s appointment in November 2023 was met with skepticism after Pakistan’s 4-1 series loss to New Zealand under his leadership. His tactical decisions were questioned, and his PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars’ disastrous campaign further fueled speculation about his suitability as captain.

Naqvi’s comments suggest that Afridi’s performance during the upcoming fitness camp in Kakul will be crucial in determining his fate. The PCB’s decision to defer a decision until after the camp provides them with additional time to evaluate his fitness and leadership abilities.

Afridi’s potential removal as captain would mark the third T20 skipper change in five months for Pakistan. Babar Azam’s resignation in November paved the way for Afridi’s appointment, but his recent struggles have cast doubt on his long-term prospects.

Naqvi emphasized the PCB’s desire for a long-term solution, indicating that Afridi’s tenure could be cut short if he fails to meet expectations. The 23-year-old’s appointment was seen as an opportunity for him to develop as a leader, but his recent performances have raised concerns about his readiness for the role.

The PCB’s decision to recall Imad Wasim from international retirement was also addressed by Naqvi. He stated that the all-rounder’s return was deemed necessary to strengthen the team ahead of the T20 World Cup. Wasim has clarified that his return is only until the end of the tournament and that he does not expect a central contract.

PCB Chairman Naqvi Appointed Federal Minister, Retains PCB Role

PCB Chairman Naqvi Appointed Federal Minister, Retains PCB Role

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Appointed Federal Minister, Retains PCB Role

Mohsin Naqvi, the newly elected chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has been appointed as the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control. This unprecedented move has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the impact on the governance of Pakistan cricket.

Naqvi, who was elected PCB chairman last month, has stated that he will continue to hold both positions concurrently. This is not the first time he has juggled political and cricketing responsibilities. Last month, he was serving as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab while also being elected PCB chairman.

The PCB has defended Naqvi’s dual role, arguing that it does not violate the board’s constitution. The PCB election commissioner has stated that the board’s rules prohibit a chairman from holding an “office of profit” concurrently, but Naqvi has said he will not draw a salary from his role at the Interior Ministry.

However, the dual role has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Naqvi has previously stated that he does not want politics to seep into cricket, but his appointment as a federal minister could make it difficult to maintain that separation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has historically taken a dim view of political interference in cricket, but it has only intervened sporadically. There is precedent for board chairs holding ministries elsewhere in the subcontinent, such as Sharad Pawar serving as BCCI president while also being India’s Minister for Agriculture.

The ICC has stated that it requires a complaining party to assess whether political interference has occurred at a cricket board. In the past, it has suspended Zimbabwe Cricket and Sri Lanka Cricket for brief periods due to political interference.

It remains to be seen how Naqvi’s dual role will impact the governance of Pakistan cricket. The PCB has expressed confidence that there will be no violation of its constitution, but the potential for conflicts of interest and political influence remains a concern.

Pakistan Cricketers to Train with Pakistan Army in Intensive Fitness Camp

Pakistan Cricketers to Train with Pakistan Army in Intensive Fitness Camp

Pakistan’s cricket team is set to embark on an intensive 10-day training camp in collaboration with the Pakistan Army from March 25 to April 8. The camp, announced by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, aims to enhance the players’ fitness and prepare them for upcoming international commitments.

Naqvi expressed concerns about the team’s fitness levels, particularly their lack of six-hitting ability. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive training plan to improve their physical capabilities. The camp will be held at the Kakul military academy, where the players will undergo rigorous training under the guidance of the Pakistan Army.

The timing of the camp has raised concerns among players, as it falls during the holy month of Ramzan, when fasting from sunrise to sunset can impact physical performance. However, Naqvi believes the camp is essential to address the team’s fitness issues.

Naqvi also addressed the ongoing debate over players prioritizing T20 leagues over national commitments. He urged the players to prioritize Pakistan first, citing his own experience as caretaker chief minister of Punjab, where he made financial sacrifices to serve the country.

The PCB is currently in the process of appointing a new coaching setup for the national team. Naqvi assured the players that the board is exploring all available options and will spare no expense in securing the best possible coaches.

The camp is expected to be a crucial step in Pakistan’s preparations for upcoming challenges, including tours of New Zealand, Ireland, and England, as well as the T20 World Cup. The collaboration with the Pakistan Army is a testament to the board’s commitment to providing the team with the best possible training and support.

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