Shoaib Akhtar Comes In Mohsin Naqvi's Defence Amid Controversial Player Sackings

Shoaib Akhtar supports Naqvi's sacking decisions [Source: AFP]

Nothing has been going right in Pakistan cricket at the moment, with players getting removed from the team and coaches getting sacked midway through the series. Pakistan team lost back-to-back Tests against England, and it resulted in the entire team facing the consequences.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made some controversial, yet harsh decisions as seven Pakistan players were removed from the team, including Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan. Moreover, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were sacked from the coaching department.

While Naqvi is getting criticised for his abrupt decisions, former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has come to his defence.

Shoaib Akhtar backs Mohsin Naqvi's "plan for the future"

Speaking on the Outside EDGE show, the former Pakistan speedster has weighed in on the overhaul in the squad, and backed Naqvi by stating that Pakistan is building a team for the future as they have lost faith in the existing players.

“The PCB itself was very disappointed by these people, and they don’t expect anything from this Pakistan squad. The plan is to remove this squad and replace them with younger and newer blood. Players who just want to play for Pakistan. They are looking at the future now, and they are working at it in the right way,” Akhtar said as he defended PCB's decision-making.

When asked whether the turmoil surrounding Pakistan cricket has come as a shocker to him, the former cricketer responded by saying:

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“What is the shock there? Didn’t you expect that?” he said.

Why Mohsin Naqvi took harsh decision to remove players midway through England tour?

Seven players: Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were removed midway through the England tour, citing poor performances and indiscipline, as PCB revamped the squad.

A total of seven replacements were also named, including five uncapped players at Test level and two capped players. The Pakistan side lost 0-2 against Bangladesh away from home, and it was followed by a drawn series against the West Indies.

PCB’s breaking point came when Pakistan surrendered against England in the first two Tests without putting up a fight. This is when Naqvi and PCB’s Director of High-Performance, Aaqib Javed, sent seven players back to Pakistan and also removed the coaching staff, which had been appointed just three series ago.

Naqvi's big gamble as he picks untested stars for third England Test

Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB Committee have certainly taken a big gamble as they have put their reputation at risk by abruptly firing seven players and the coaching staff. Moreover, relatively new players have been thrown into the mix, and that too against a rampant English bowling attack.

Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah will join the Test squad along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal. Barring a couple of players, most of them have no Test experience, and Naqvi is banking on them to deliver the goods in the third Test match.

It seems Pakistan won’t be too surprised if they lose the third Test vs England, even if it means giving exposure to youngsters to build them for the future.

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