Senators demand Naqvi’s resignation as PCB chief after Test whitewash

ISLAMABAD: The recent historic home Test series whitewash by Bangladesh echoed in the Senate on Thursday, with legislators blaming Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), for the defeat. They said that the nation’s sentiment is that he must step down. Lawmakers from various parties questioned the decision to appoint Naqvi as PCB chairman, especially after the ‘annihilation’ by the Bangladesh cricket team. Amid chants of ‘shame shame’, a call was made to the prime minister to appoint a more competent individual to lead the PCB.

Raising the issue, PTI parliamentary leader Syed Ali Zafar remarked, “The defeat inflicted by Bangladesh has destroyed cricket in our country. We need to prevent further disaster.” He said,

Zafar said that the PCB is tasked with promoting cricket in Pakistan, but Naqvi’s leadership is contributing to its decline. “Mohsin Naqvi may be capable, but not in cricket. The whole nation believes he should resign from this position.”

Senator Saifullah Abro referenced his earlier statement comparing the Balochistan issue to that of an SHO’s jurisdiction. He sarcastically suggested that if this were the case, 40 SHOs could manage four provinces, AJK, GB, and 36 ministries. He recommended drafting a resolution to present this idea to the government.

Abro further criticised the Test series, implying it was a gift to Bangladesh, questioning the rationale behind shutting down the entire capital to host such a series.

Senator Manzoor Ahmad noted that the nation had high expectations from players, who receive monthly salaries of Rs4 to 6 million in addition to other incentives. He agreed that serious consideration should be given to the resignation of PCB chairman and its board of governors.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who was presiding over the session, clarified that the members were discussing the game and responsibilities of the interior minister, not his role as a senator.