Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has stirred controversy by making a striking revelation about the state of cricket in the country. Afridi claimed that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi admitted to him that he doesn’t “know anything about cricket”.
His remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the administration and direction of Pakistan cricket, which has come under heavy scrutiny following the national team’s disappointing exit from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan failed to secure a spot in the semi-finals after suffering defeats against New Zealand and India. Their final group-stage match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was abandoned due to rain, leaving the team at the bottom of the group standings.
The performance of the squad and the coaching decisions made by Aaqib Javed have been widely criticized, with particular attention drawn to the selection strategy. Pakistan opted to enter the tournament with just one frontline spinner, Abrar Ahmed, despite playing as the host nation.
Shahid Afridi did not hold back in his criticism of PCB chairman Naqvi, suggesting that he should surround himself with knowledgeable cricketing minds rather than bureaucrats. Speaking on a local channel, Afridi shared his perspective on Naqvi’s leadership, stating, “I met the chairman sahab a few days ago in Lahore. The initiative about the grounds, the work done at the Gaddafi Stadium, is pretty good and pretty beautiful. He has worked, and he wants to work further.” However, Afridi went on to highlight a major concern, adding, “But he also says that he doesn’t know anything about cricket. When you don’t know cricket, then you should work with good, technical people who have some connection with the sport.”
Pakistan cricket has undergone multiple leadership changes in recent years, with frequent shifts in coaching staff and captaincy. Several coaches have resigned, and the team has seen captains change hands repeatedly, contributing to instability within the squad. Afridi’s remarks have intensified the debate over PCB’s management, raising questions about the direction and governance of Pakistan cricket.
