'Would be a big decision' - Shahid Afridi requests PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to resign

Published - 02 Oct 2025, 16:22 IST | Updated - 02 Oct 2025, 16:53 IST

Legendary captain Shahid Afridi has urged Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi to resign, stressing that the demands of cricket administration require full-time attention, something Naqvi cannot provide while simultaneously serving as the country’s Interior Minister. Afridi passed these comments following the conclusion of the controversial Asia Cup.

Since taking over as PCB chairman in 2024, Naqvi has multitasked multiple high-profile positions. Alongside leading the PCB, he also serves as Interior Minister and was recently appointed president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). His packed schedule has raised concerns from Afridi. Notably, following the 2025 Champions Trophy, the former all-rounder had already urged Naqvi to treat the PCB chairmanship as a full-time job. He also spoke about Naqvi’s lack of cricketing knowledge and his reliance on advisers.

"My request or advice to Naqvi Saheb is that these are two very important posts, and they are big jobs that need time. "PCB is totally different from the Interior Ministry, so it must be kept separate. It would be a big decision and should be taken as soon as possible. Pakistan cricket needs special attention and time Naqvi cannot rely totally on advisers. These advisers are taking him nowhere and he himself says that he doesn't know much about cricket. He needs to appoint good and competent advisers who know about the game," Afridi was quoted as saying by Telecom Asia Sport.

Naqvi says Indian team free to collect trophy from him

Naqvi’s leadership during the Asia Cup invited widespread criticism. He was accused of creating unnecessary drama after India refused to shake hands with Pakistani players, even threatening to boycott the tournament. A subsequent match against the UAE was delayed due to the fallout from this standoff.

The controversy peaked during the final. When India clinched the title, Naqvi, in his role as ACC president, refused to present the trophy after Indian players declined to accept it from him. Instead, an ACC official removed the trophy and medals from the podium. Reports later claimed Naqvi insisted Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav collect the trophy from the ACC headquarters in Dubai.