‘World laughing at Pakistan?’: PCB-led Mohsin Naqvi criticized for turning team into ‘laughing warehouse’

Babar Azam and Moshin Naqvi (Image Agency) Nasser Hussain has joined the growing criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing the governing body of making things worse after the team suffered defeats in the first two Tests of the three-match series in England.Pakistan were defeated at Headingley and Lord’s, after which the PCB carried out a major overhaul of the tour. Seven players were sent back from England, while two members of the coaching staff were also removed. The move drew criticism from former players and pundits from across the cricketing world.Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq were among those told to return home. Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has also been replaced, with Mike Hesson taking charge for the third Test in Birmingham, which starts on 9 September.The controversy went beyond the changes in the squad. Aaqib Javed, PCB’s director of high performance, criticized Imam on live television and questioned the opener’s commitment to the team.Imam suffered a calf strain on the opening day of the Lord’s Test and was subsequently ruled out of the match. The left-handed batsman did not participate in a single innings with the bat, while his performance on day four further fueled questions about the severity of the injury.Before the start of play on the fourth day, Imam was seen knocking the ball around, despite his injury. The footage prompted further scrutiny, with former England pacer Stuart Broad famously declaring it was all “for show”.However, Hussain feels that the bigger problem lies in how the PCB handled the matter.Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, the former England captain said Pakistan were not initially mocked after their poor performances, but claimed the PCB’s subsequent actions turned the team into a laughing stock.“I don’t think the world laughed at Pakistan after Headingley. My talk at Lord’s about them not fighting back, about India vs Pakistan games being very one-sided and them being poor, playing badly, they weren’t laughed at,” Hussain said.“It was out of frustration to see where this great cricketing nation is now. What they have done now has made them a laughing stock. They have made it worse,” he added.

Hussain questions the treatment of the Imam

Hussain then turned his attention to the treatment of the imam, expressing disbelief that a senior Pakistan cricket official would publicly criticize one of the team’s own players.He argued that regardless of whether Imam was actually injured or not, the situation should have been dealt with internally and the players should be given proper support and respect.“I can’t believe how a high-powered director can go on TV, rightly or wrongly, and throw a player under the bus. He’s either injured or he’s not,” Hussain said.“If we ask how a player is doing, they’d say, ‘For every other side on the tour, if asked how a player is doing, they’d say, ‘He’s had a scan and will only bat when needed.’ The whole handling of the Iman situation is ridiculous. You have to protect your players a little bit,” he added.The PCB’s decision has now left Pakistan facing the final Test with a vastly changed squad and coaching structure after a series that has already come under intense scrutiny after two heavy defeats.

Do you agree with the criticism of the team’s handling of the PCB after their defeats?

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

More than 5,000 users have already voted today

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

Share an opinion