Is PCB punishing Babar Azam, Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi?

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has introduced strict measures to improve Pakistan cricket following the poor performance of Men in green in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Talking to media in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi said that the players who are seeking NOCs for domestic leagues will be denied due to the Test series.

His remarks came after the top players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi sought NOCs to participate in the Global T20 Canada league.

“Players who fail to participate in domestic cricket will be barred from international cricket,” Naqvi declared. While no announcement was made regarding a change in captaincy, the chairman hinted that former cricketers would be involved in the decision-making process.

Naqvi emphasised that the selection committee will be held accountable for the team’s performances and introduced new criteria for player selection, including mandatory participation in domestic cricket.

The PCB also addressed the recent incident involving Haris Rauf, who was harassed by a fan in the USA. Naqvi said that the individual has been reported to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that no decision has been taken yet to remove Babar Azam as a captain.

The PCB chief  said that the former cricketers will decide on changing the captain.

“Those who cannot bear the pressure, will not have a place in the national team. No one wants to make a decision in anger, as hasty decisions are always wrong,” Naqvi told reporters.

I have not met with Babar Azam and Wahab Riaz after the World Cup, the PCB chief said and added the aim of national team surgery is not to abuse anyone.