'Keep things separate': Shahid Afridi slams PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi for mixing cricket with politics

After Pakistan's series of defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025, former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has demanded that Mohsin Naqvi step down from one of his two roles, either as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman or as Minister of Interior. Shahid Afridi said Pakistan cricket needs full attention, which Naqvi cannot give while managing both positions. "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," Afridi told Telecom Asia Sport.

"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."

Pakistan's performance challenges under Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership

Naqvi has been PCB chairman since 2024. His tenure has seen Pakistan struggle in home Test matches, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup. Despite improvement under new coach Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s 2025 Asia Cup campaign included three defeats against India, which overshadowed their victories.


Naqvi’s responsibilities increased further with his appointment as chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). His leadership during the 2025 Asia Cup drew attention, particularly for his interactions with India. During the trophy presentation, Indian players showed reluctance to receive the trophy from Naqvi, citing his earlier anti-India positions. Naqvi then left the stadium with the winners’ trophy.

Mohsin Naqvi's Spat with India

“Indian media thrives on lies, not facts. Let me make it absolutely clear: I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI nor will I ever do so,” Naqvi wrote in a post on X.

“This fabricated nonsense is nothing but cheap propaganda, aimed only at misleading their own people. Unfortunately, India continues to drag politics into cricket, damaging the very spirit of the game.”