Mohsin Naqvi elected as Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman for three years

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has concluded its elections and appointed Mohsin Naqvi as the full-time chairman for a three-year term. Naqvi’s election was announced on Tuesday, with the PCB declaring him as the 37th chairman, elected unopposed.

Expressing his gratitude, Naqvi stated, “I am deeply honored and humbled to have been unanimously elected as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. I am thankful for the trust and confidence reposed in me. I am fully committed to upgrading the standard of the game in the country and bringing professionalism to the administration of cricket in Pakistan.”

Naqvi’s appointment was widely anticipated following the resignation of Zaka Ashraf, who had been serving as the de facto chairman. Ashraf stepped down last month, vacating his position on the PCB’s board of governors. Naqvi filled this vacancy, appointed by Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister, Anwar Kakar, who also assigned Naqvi as Punjab’s caretaker chief minister.

Despite some scrutiny over Naqvi holding dual roles, the PCB election commissioner, Khawar Shah, defended the arrangement, citing PCB rules and Naqvi’s eligibility. Naqvi’s tenure as Punjab’s caretaker chief minister, which exceeded its constitutional limit, will conclude later this week as Pakistan prepares for general elections on February 8.

While Naqvi lacks direct cricketing experience or a background in cricket administration, this is not uncommon among PCB chairmen in recent years. His immediate focus will be on overseeing the upcoming Pakistan Super League, scheduled to begin on February 17. Additionally, Naqvi faces the challenge of preparing for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s only ICC event this decade, which demands significant logistical and administrative preparations, including facility construction.

Addressing the potential fallout from India’s participation, Naqvi will need to navigate diplomatic challenges, considering historical precedents where India has refrained from touring Pakistan. He must find viable solutions to ensure the smooth conduct of international events, possibly avoiding arrangements like the “hybrid” model used for the Asia Cup last year, which drew criticism from some stakeholders.

In summary, Naqvi assumes leadership of the PCB with a mandate to enhance the country’s cricketing standards, manage significant tournaments, and address complex diplomatic and logistical challenges associated with international cricket in Pakistan.