Sports Desk
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his determination to rectify cricket team’s issues following the team’s 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the Rawalpindi Test.
Speaking to the media in on Monday, Naqvi stated, “I will fix the issues in Pakistan cricket, God willing.” He reassured that things would not remain as they are and hinted at significant changes happening behind the scenes.
“Mark my words, things will not stay the same. A lot is happening in the background,” he added.
Bangladesh made history by defeating Pakistan by 10 wickets in the Rawalpindi Test, with Pakistan being bowled out for just 146 runs in their second innings on the final day.
Yesterday, Spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan took seven wickets between them to secure Bangladesh’s maiden win over Pakistan in five-day cricket, a stunning 10-wicket victory in the first Test in Rawalpindi.
Mehidy grabbed 4-21 and Shakib 3-44 to trigger a Pakistan collapse on the fifth day, with the home side dismissed for 146 runs in 55.5 overs. That left Bangladesh a target of just 30 runs, which openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam reached in 6.3 overs.
Earlier in June, following a six-run defeat to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which put Pakistan at risk of not qualifying for the Super Eight stage of the tournament, Naqvi hinted at a huge overhaul in the national team.
While speaking to reporters after the match, he remarked that a “major surgery” is now necessary.
“Initially, I believed a minor surgery would suffice, but after this poor performance, it’s clear that a major overhaul is needed. The nation will soon witness substantial changes,” Naqvi said. Yesterday, Zakir (15) hit the winning boundary, with Shadman at the other end unbeaten on nine, as their squad celebrated a memorable victory.
Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan in the second innings with 51, including six boundaries, but the home team were staring at defeat on 108-6 at lunch.
A holiday crowd of nearly 5,000 expected Pakistan to fight out a draw but Mehidy bowled Rizwan and trapped last man Mohammad Ali for a duck in successive overs.
Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto dedicated the win to people who were killed in political turmoil that resulted in the ouster of premier Sheikh Hasina this month after weeks of student-led protests.
