Pakistan cricket has recently endured a turbulent period, marked by a string of defeats, with the most notable being a historic loss to Bangladesh in August 2024. As with any sporting debacle, questions arose regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) leadership, particularly Mohsin Naqvi, who took over as Chairman. However, a deeper look reveals that blaming Naqvi for the team’s failures is both misguided and ignorant of the long-standing structural issues within Pakistan cricket.
Critics who hastily attributed Pakistan's earlier failures to Mohsin Naqvi might now find themselves compelled to acknowledge his role in the recent victory in Multan. However, their previous criticisms, rooted in a narrow focus on immediate results, fail to account for the broader structural reforms that Naqvi has been working on since assuming PCB leadership. Giving him credit now would expose the superficiality of their earlier judgments, as this victory is a testament to the long-term vision Naqvi has championed. It's time they acknowledge that success requires patience, not knee-jerk reactions to temporary setbacks.
Inherited Challenges, Not Created Ones
When Naqvi assumed leadership of the PCB, he inherited a team already grappling with deep-rooted challenges. From inconsistent player performances to a fragile domestic system, the national side’s vulnerabilities have long been apparent. While Naqvi has faced criticism, especially following the Bangladesh Test loss, these defeats must be understood in context.
The defeat against Bangladesh cannot be solely attributed to mismanagement; it also highlights the team’s persistent challenges in handling pressure. Bangladesh’s recent rise as a competitive side in the Test arena played a significant role in that result. Pakistan’s batting collapse was a collective failure, one that cannot be pinned on Naqvi alone.
A Focus on Long-Term Reforms
During his tenure, Mohsin Naqvi has shown a steadfast commitment to implementing long-term reforms. Rather than seeking quick fixes, Naqvi has taken a proactive approach, addressing the root causes of Pakistan’s cricketing struggles. His initiatives include overhauling the domestic cricket setup, developing young talent, and enhancing players' fitness and mental toughness. These steps are crucial for ensuring the national team’s long-term success.
Naqvi’s public response following the Bangladesh defeat reflected his commitment. Acknowledging the team’s poor performance, he vowed to bring about improvements, signalling his focus on turning around Pakistan cricket’s fortunes.
Multan Victory: A Sign of Progress
A crucial moment in Naqvi’s leadership came with Pakistan’s recent triumph over England in Multan. Led by young spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who took all 20 English wickets, Pakistan secured a crucial 152-run victory, levelling the series. This triumph ended Pakistan’s winless streak at home and showcased the impact of the spinners—a strategic decision supported by Naqvi’s leadership.
Noman’s 11-wicket haul and Sajid’s 9 wickets in the match demonstrated the potential of young talent. Their return, once criticised, proved Naqvi’s strategy to be a masterstroke. This victory is a testament to the benefits of patience and long-term planning.
Not Just a Leadership Problem
The Pakistan cricket team’s recent struggles highlight broader issues beyond just leadership. The team’s performance has also been influenced by form slumps among key players, including captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Questions have been raised about the team’s mental resilience and fitness, as evidenced by collapses like the one against Bangladesh.
Cricket is as much a mental game as a physical one, and Pakistan’s recent performances indicate a need for psychological strengthening. Naqvi cannot be held responsible for every on-field decision or tactical error, but his leadership is working to create an environment where players can thrive.
The Road Ahead: A Vision for Improvement
Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership offers hope for significant change. While critics often fixate on immediate results, genuine progress demands a more patient outlook. The reforms Naqvi is championing—nurturing young talent, enhancing domestic competitiveness, and focusing on mental and physical conditioning—will take time to fully materialise.
Naqvi’s proactive engagement with the media, his candid approach in addressing challenges, and his willingness to reform PCB operations reflect a transparent and effective leadership style. He has shown he is not afraid to make difficult decisions for the long-term benefit of Pakistan cricket.
A Fair Perspective
To label Mohsin Naqvi’s tenure as a failure based on recent losses would be to overlook the structural and performance-related challenges that have long existed in Pakistan cricket. His commitment to long-term reforms, transparency in addressing issues, and efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s cricketing framework are commendable.
Defending Naqvi does not mean ignoring the team’s recent poor form. Instead, it is about understanding that true transformation requires more than leadership alone. The success against England in Multan, driven by young talent, demonstrates that Naqvi’s approach is beginning to bear fruit. Given time, his vision may well lead Pakistan cricket back to the heights it aspires to reach.