Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has made headlines again by asking Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and ACC (Asian Cricket Council) chief, to resign from either his cricket post or politics. Afridi said that both jobs are very important and need full attention. It is not right for one person to manage both at the same time.
The request comes after several controversies during and after the Asia Cup 2025. Team India won the tournament by defeating Pakistan in the final match. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by issues involving Mohsin Naqvi and the trophy. During the trophy ceremony, Team India refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi’s hands. The situation escalated, and Naqvi reportedly left with the trophy without giving it to the winning team.
This incident created a major discussion in the ACC meeting held in Dubai on September 30. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) representatives requested the trophy, highlighting the tension between cricket boards. The controversy brought attention to Naqvi’s dual role in cricket administration and politics.
Afridi, one of Pakistan’s most famous cricketers, spoke strongly about the situation. He said that managing both positions requires complete focus and energy. According to him, Pakistan cricket deserves special attention, and it is unfair to divide time between two demanding roles. Afridi believes that Naqvi should make a clear choice soon for the good of Pakistan cricket.
Shahid Afridi addressed Mohsin Naqvi directly in an interview with Telecom Asia Sport. He said, “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. 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.”
Afridi highlighted that cricket administration is different from politics. In cricket, decisions affect players, teams, and international relations. In politics, responsibilities are also huge, involving law, policies, and the public. Trying to handle both at the same time may lead to mistakes in either field. Afridi believes that Pakistan cricket cannot afford mistakes at this time.
He also pointed out that Mohsin Naqvi himself has admitted that he does not know much about cricket. This makes it even more important to either focus on cricket properly or stay in politics. Afridi said that if Naqvi wants to continue in cricket, he must appoint competent advisers who understand the game. Without proper advisers, the decisions may not benefit Pakistan cricket.
Afridi said, “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.” This shows that Afridi wants professional people to help lead cricket decisions in Pakistan.
The Asia Cup 2025 was not free of issues. Even though the tournament ended with India winning comfortably, several incidents created tension. The trophy controversy was one of the main problems. Team India refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi because of past disagreements and disputes. Naqvi leaving with the trophy caused further criticism from cricket officials and fans.
The controversy also highlighted problems in cricket administration in Pakistan. Fans and experts have often criticized political interference in cricket. Afridi’s statement adds to this discussion by pointing out that cricket requires full attention and professional management. Balancing politics and cricket administration may harm the development of players and teams.
Afridi is a respected voice in Pakistan cricket. He has represented the country for many years and is known for his honesty and direct statements. When he speaks about cricket management, players, fans, and officials pay attention. His request for Naqvi to choose one role shows his concern for Pakistan cricket’s future.
The Asia Cup incident and Naqvi’s dual role have sparked debate in Pakistan’s media as well. Experts are discussing whether politicians should hold high posts in cricket administration. Many believe that professional managers, not politicians, should lead sports boards to improve performance and reduce controversies.
Afridi’s advice is clear: Pakistan cricket needs strong leadership. Either Naqvi should leave politics and focus on cricket or leave the PCB role and concentrate on politics. The decisions taken in cricket administration affect players, teams, and the country’s international reputation. Strong, focused leadership is necessary to avoid repeated controversies.
Afridi also emphasized the importance of good advisers. Even if Naqvi continues in cricket, he must rely on professionals who understand the sport. Competent advisers can make better decisions about players, matches, and tournaments. Without proper guidance, Pakistan cricket may face more challenges in international events.
The ongoing situation has made cricket fans anxious. Many hope that the PCB will address these issues soon. Afridi’s statements have given direction on what should be done for the good of Pakistan cricket. If proper steps are taken, it can help players focus on the game rather than off-field controversies.
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In conclusion, Shahid Afridi has asked Mohsin Naqvi to resign from either the PCB or politics. He believes that both roles are too important to manage together. Afridi also highlighted that professional advisers are necessary if Naqvi continues in cricket.
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy made this discussion even more important. Fans and experts are closely watching how Pakistan cricket administration handles the situation. Afridi’s clear advice shows that leadership and focus are necessary for the growth of cricket in the country. Pakistan cricket needs strong management and proper planning to succeed in international tournaments.
Afridi’s statements may encourage other voices in Pakistan cricket to speak up and demand better governance. For now, the focus remains on resolving the dual-role issue and ensuring that Pakistan cricket receives the attention it deserves.
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