Pakistan Team Heckled in London- (Source: ScreenGrab/X)
In the latest events, the Pakistan cricket team, which are on a three-match Test tour of England, were at the centre of a hostile protest after their royal visit in London. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 2, when the Babar Azam-led side and PCB members, including Mohsin Naqvi, met King Charles.
When a country tours England for a Test series, the visiting side is often invited by UK King Charles at his residence in London for dinner. Similarly, the entire Pakistan squad paid a visit at Clarence House. However, fans in large numbers gathered outside the residence, raising slogans against Mohsin Naqvi and the Pakistan cricket team.
Pakistan Team and Mohsin Naqvi Heckled After Royal Visit
Several videos have surfaced on social media, highlighting the incident. Firstly, the protesting group shouted ‘Shame on You, Shame on You’ at the team bus in which the entire squad travelled to the Kings’ residence.
Further, it seemed that Mohsin Naqvi arrived separately in a car and was met with even louder boos and the ‘Shame on You’ slogan.
Watch the video below:
The next incident occurred when the team returned from the dinner, and players were walking toward the bus. The same slogans were raised and targeted at the team. The Pakistani squad was stunned by the response, and they even looked at the protesters before boarding the bus.
Why Did Protestors Raise Slogans Against Pakistan Team And Mohsin Naqvi?
Pakistan cricket fans are frustrated by the poor standards of their team. Things are not well within the team and the fans gathered outside King Charles' residence to make a statement and remind the management that they are unhappy with the current proceedings within PCB and Pakistan cricket.
To start, Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test. Babar Azam's return in the 2nd Test couldn't create any impact because the visitors suffered another embarrassing defeat.
Also Read: New Controversy Rocks Pakistan Cricket! Captain Ignores Mohsin Naqvi’s King Charles Order
The Lord's Test was also marred with massive controversy after Imam-ul-Haq refused to bat despite a grade-one calf injury. Eventually, the PCB opened investigation into the matter and pulled out 7 players from the squad mid-series.
The latest actions have brought massive embarrassment to Pakistan and the PCB itself. Therefore, the fans targeted Mohsin Naqvi for bringing shame to Pakistan.
Mohsin Naqvi Defends Pakistan Cricket
Recently, Mohsin Naqvi addressed the press where he admitted that Pakistan are not playing their best cricket. Although, the PCB chief defended actions taken during his tenure and namedropped India in his defence.
“South Africa lost to Namibia, while India had also suffered a defeat against Ireland. Does that mean their cricket is over? Absolutely not. No team can become a champion in just three months,” Naqvi said as stated by Pakistan media.
“Pakistan have shown significant improvement, climbing from No. 9 to No. 6 in the T20I rankings and from No. 8 to No. 5 in ODI cricket. Those who say cricket has been destroyed since I came should look at what the rankings were before," Naqvi added.
Pakistan still have a chance to secure a consolation win when they face England for 3rd Test on September 9 at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
Also Read: Stuart Broad Takes A U-Turn On Pakistan Cricket Verdict
