Shoaib Akhtar: Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has made an embarrassing U-turn on his comments against Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Akhtar had referred to Naqvi as illiterate and incompetent after the shocking loss of Team Pakistan in their Group A match against India. In a television interview to an Indian channel, Akhtar had remarked that an individual like Naqvi does not deserve to hold the position of PCB chairman.
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Akhtar remarked he had utmost respect for Mohsin Naqvi and his words “incompetent and illiterate” were in the game’s larger context and not directed towards the PCB Chief. Speaking to a Pakistani channel, Akhtar remarked Naqvi is a good person and only wants to help cricket in Pakistan. The Rawalpindi Express remarked Naqvi does not get the right advice. He went on to remark that he is not happy with him.
Pakistan’s early exit from Group A after humiliating defeats only amplified the criticism, with Akhtar pointing to “zero preparation” as the culprit.
Afraid of PCB or Public Backlash?
As Interior Minister-turned-PCB head, Naqvi wields immense power in Pakistan cricket. Critics argue Akhtar’s Indian channel boldness evaporates on home turf, hinting at self-preservation amid PCB’s history of silencing dissenters. Akhtar’s history adds intrigue. In 2021, he stormed off PTV Sports after a spat, resigning dramatically amid public uproar showing his vulnerability to channel or board backlash. With PCB’s influence over Pakistani media, whispers suggest fear of reprisal prompted the U-turn.
