Pakistan cricket is once again in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. A growing rift between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and former white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has sparked fresh controversy — and many believe it’s pushing the board into yet another crisis.
The Rift That Started It All
The trouble began with a simple but telling disagreement. Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Mohammad Rizwan backed his squad, saying there was “no need for changes.” But within hours, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi contradicted him publicly, claiming the selection committee would “review” the squad.
It may sound like a small difference in opinion, but in the world of Pakistan cricket — where power struggles are nothing new — it was enough to set off alarms. For many, it was a sign that the captain and the board were no longer on the same page.
Sports media quickly picked up on it, describing the exchange as a major embarrassment for the PCB chairman, who now finds himself caught between defending his authority and managing an increasingly frustrated team.
Leadership Changes and Locker Room Unrest
Under Naqvi’s tenure, Pakistan has seen captains come and go with alarming frequency. After Babar Azam was removed as captain in 2024, Rizwan was given charge of both white-ball sides. But less than a year later, his leadership came under scrutiny as Pakistan suffered a string of poor results.
By March 2025, Rizwan was sacked as T20I captain, and by October, reports confirmed that Shahid Afridi had replaced him as ODI skipper.
“These musical chairs with captaincy are destroying team morale,” a former PCB official was quoted as saying. “How can players focus when leadership changes every few months?”
Naqvi’s Denials and Growing Criticism
Naqvi tried to distance himself, saying he had “not even one percent role” in the decision.
But that explanation didn’t convince many. Critics saw it as an attempt to shift blame and avoid responsibility. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi went public with his frustration, urging Naqvi to “keep politics away from cricket.” Mohammad Hafeez went a step further, accusing Naqvi’s administration of “pushing Pakistan cricket towards collapse.”
Corruption Allegations Add Fuel to the Fire
As if the leadership chaos wasn’t enough, a recent audit report exposed massive irregularities within the PCB — including crores of rupees in questionable payments and bonuses.
Complicating matters further, Naqvi’s dual role as both Interior Minister and PCB Chairman has come under heavy criticism. Many in Pakistan’s cricketing circles argue that holding such high political office leaves little time — or focus — for running the country’s most beloved sport.
Pakistan Cricket at Breaking Point
With the Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, Pakistan cricket is standing on shaky ground. Team morale is low, leadership is uncertain, and fans are once again questioning the direction the PCB is taking.
Unless Mohsin Naqvi can find a way to rebuild trust — both inside the dressing room and among the public — Pakistan risks entering one of its most important tournaments in years amid political drama and internal division.
