Mohsin Naqvi Demands Written Explanation On 2 Pakistan Players As Crisis Deepens

Mohsin Naqvi and Misbah-ul-Haq [Source: AFP Photos]

Saying that Pakistan cricket is in disarray would be an understatement. From dealing with the Imran Khan controversy to the humiliation of two crushing defeats to England, Pakistan team’s current UK tour is turning out to be a nightmare for the Mohsin Naqvi's PCB.

Just after the second Test defeat at Lord’s this past weekend, the PCB made a slew of changes to the Pakistan squad for the impending third match of the series. 

The sudden wholesale changes seem to have left a bitter taste in the mouth of former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq.

Just earlier today, Misbah offered his resignation from the post. Recent reports now indicate a shocking revelation on the part of the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB, which may have played an influential role in Misbah’s departure.

Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB had asked Misbah-ul-Haq a stern question about Rizwan, Imam

As reported by Cricinfo, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB had sent a notice to members of the Pakistan selection committee after Pakistan’s crushing second Test defeat at Lord’s in London. 

The report states that the board sought a written explanation from the committee regarding the selection of senior batters Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq for the tour of England. 

"The PCB served a notice to members of the selection committee following the Lord's defeat seeking a written explanation regarding the selections of Rizwan and Imam in the squads for the tours of West Indies and England." as mentioned by Cricinfo.

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The notice was sent to the selection committee members on Monday, August 31, i.e., on the same day when the PCB released seven players from the squad and brought in five uncapped cricketers alongside comeback men Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal.

It is worth noting that both, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were among the seven players released from the national squad, albeit owing to different reasons.

With the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB making sudden changes to the squad and demanding a written explanation over the selection of Rizwan and Imam, the timing of Misbah-ul-Haq’s resignation has raised speculation that the developments may have contributed to his decision to step down. 

Why did Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB seek explanation for Rizwan, Imam’s selection?

On Monday, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB released as many as seven cricketers from the Pakistan squad for the third Test. However, among those seven players, the board reportedly sought an explanation for the selection of only Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. 

While Imam's form has been a matter of concern, one can understand PCB’s reported frustration over his selection for the England tour.

However, Mohammad Rizwan has been leading Pakistan’s batting charge for the past three years. 

The legendary wicketkeeper-batter has aggregated the highest Test runs among all Pakistan players since the start of 2024, with 1,080 runs to his name from 27 innings at an average of nearly 42. Rizwan also listed a quick 41 in Pakistan’s second innings at Leeds where they collapsed for just 135. 

Given his consistent numbers and importance to Pakistan’s Test batting line-up, the PCB’s decision to seek an explanation for Rizwan’s selection is likely to raise even more eyebrows.

Broken selection committee, new coaches, revamped squad and a desire to avoid whitewash

With the resignation of Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan men’s selection committee may have lost its most valuable and experienced member. 

Moreover, the Pakistan cricket team is also reeling from the weight of two heavy defeats in England, and just underwent a massive squad overhaul with the inclusion of five uncapped stars and two forgotten Test players.

The PCB also removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul to make way for Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke respectively. Struggling with basic structural changes, the Pakistan cricket team now faces an uphill task in England as they travel to Birmingham with hopes of avoiding a 0-3 series whitewash.

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