KP CM's adviser demands Mohsin Naqvi's resignation as PCB chairman

PESHAWAR: Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, has called for the immediate resignation of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

This demand follows Naqvi's statement that the Green Shirts need "major surgery" after their disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, which led to their elimination from the tournament.

"It seemed that a minor surgery would work, but after this bad performance, I’m now sure that a major surgery is required. The nation will soon see a major overhaul," Naqvi remarked.

So far, Pakistan has played three matches, losing to the US and India, while managing a win against Canada. However, this was insufficient to keep them in contention for the Super Eight round. The team is set to play its final match against Ireland today, hoping to end their dismal campaign on a positive note.

Barrister Saif criticized Naqvi's statement, accusing him of igniting controversy.

"Mohsin Naqvi, the Sharif family, and the group of conspirators should undergo major surgery," the KP CM adviser said on X, stressing that sports should remain free from politics.

Saif alleged that Naqvi was appointed by a group of conspirators who stole the mandate, describing the current PCB leadership as incompetent and hurtful to cricket fans' sentiments. He emphasized that the PCB chairman should be a professional and responsible individual.

A day prior, the PCB decided to review central contracts following the team's embarrassing early exit from the tournament. Sources indicate that during late-night consultations led by Naqvi and board officials, it was decided that players with poor performances would be demoted in their central contracts in the first phase. Additionally, several players are likely to lose their central contracts altogether.