Mohsin Naqvi in spotlight again, motivates struggling Pakistan ahead of South Africa Test series, says,…
New Delhi: Following the Asia Cup 2025 presentation ceremony drama, Mohsin Naqvi has been in the spotlight and dominating the cricketing discussions. The PCB chairman was recently spotted at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, just two days before Pakistan begins their WTC 2025-27 campaign against South Africa.
Accompanied by High-Performance Centre Director Aqib Javed, Naqvi had a chat with captain Shan Masood and the rest of the squad during their training session. He was also seen greeting spinner Abrar Ahmed, who recently got married in Karachi, along with members of the South African team management.
Pakistan ended at the last place in previous WTC cycle
The timing of Naqvi’s visit is significant. In the previous WTC cycle, Pakistan ended at the last place, securing only five wins out of 14 matches with a PCT of 27.98. The team also recently faced defeat against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, as they lost in all the three encounters against India during the tournament.
The upcoming Test series offers an opportunity for a new beginning in Test cricket for a team returning to the format following a crushing 120-run defeat to the West Indies in Multan last January.
South Africa now face the challenge of defending their title
South Africa, defending WTC champions topped the previous WTC with a PCT of 69.44 and defeated Australia to claim the Test mace. They now face the challenge of defending their title on subcontinental pitches, where spin frequently makes the difference. There is a clear difference between the two sides as South Africa wants to maintain their position at the summit, while Pakistan wants to rebuild from the bottom up.
Naqvi’s short conversation with the team has a significant implication. During the meeting, discussions centered around plans and strategies for facing South Africa. Naqvi assured Masood and Azhar Mahmood that they would have complete operational autonomy over the Test team. “My full support is with you for the Test series against South Africa,” Naqvi told the leadership group, emphasizing the administration’s confidence in the team.
PCB has made it clear that they fully support the current team
For a team that lost nine out of 14 matches in the previous cycle, leadership visibility is more than just a formality, it’s a signal that this campaign will be different. It will be evident after the first ball is bowled on Sunday whether the board’s assurance and Naqvi’s motivational speech result in success on the field. However, with two days remaining, the PCB has made it clear that they fully support the current team to turn things around this time.
Story Highlight
- Mohsin Naqvi, PCB chairman was recently spotted at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, just two days before Pakistan begins their WTC 2025-27 campaign against South Africa.
- Naqvi had a chat with captain Shan Masood and the rest of the squad during their training session.
- In the previous WTC cycle, Pakistan ended at the last place, securing only five wins out of 14 matches with a PCT of 27.98.
- During the meeting, discussions centered around plans and strategies for facing South Africa. Naqvi assured Masood and Azhar Mahmood that they would have complete operational autonomy over the Test team.
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