Shoaib Akhtar sparked controversy after calling Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi “incompetent and illiterate,” only to make an awkward U-turn less than 24 hours later. The former Rawalpindi Express admitted his words were taken out of context and attempted to clarify that his criticism was aimed at the broader system rather than Naqvi personally.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Initial Remarks Against Mohsin Naqvi
On an Indian news channel, Akhtar had sharply criticized Naqvi, questioning his competence to lead the PCB. He said, “If you make me the chairman of a channel, how would I know how to run it? Now there is a person who does not know, and he is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Giving a big job to an incompetent and illiterate person is the biggest crime.”
These statements quickly drew widespread attention, sparking debates among cricket fans and analysts across Pakistan and India.
Akhtar’s Dramatic U-Turn
During a follow-up appearance on ARY News, Shoaib Akhtar attempted to retract his comments. He clarified that his use of “incompetent and jaahil (illiterate)” referred to systemic issues in Pakistani cricket rather than Naqvi personally.
“It looked like I said those words for him. My hint was not towards Mohsin Naqvi, but the top brass running international cricket. The television channel twisted it,” Akhtar explained, fumbling as he tried to correct the narrative.
He added that Naqvi is genuinely trying to help Pakistan cricket, but sometimes does not receive proper guidance.
Akhtar on PCB Decisions and T20 World Cup Boycott
Akhtar admitted frustration with Naqvi’s U-turn on Pakistan’s stance against India in the T20 World Cup. “I am angry because he took a stand and did not stick with it. The entire community was with him. He could have asked me before changing it,” he stated.
This highlighted Akhtar’s concern over decision-making and consistency in Pakistan cricket administration.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Views on Players and Team Selection
During the ARY News chat, Akhtar also criticized key players and team strategy. He questioned Babar Azam’s suitability for T20 cricket, saying the star batter is ineffective in the middle order and should be played as an opener.
Regarding pacer Shaheen Afridi, Akhtar noted fitness issues, claiming Shaheen cannot consistently bowl above 125 kmph. He also questioned the selection of Shadab Khan, labeling it an unusual choice for T20 encounters against India.
Akhtar stressed that Pakistan’s current challenges stem from systemic issues: inadequate infrastructure, poor player development, and mismanagement of talent. “Everyone is to be blamed — myself, the cricket board, media. We picked the wrong people and made them stars,” he added.
Implications for Pakistan Cricket
Shoaib Akhtar’s comments and subsequent clarification underscore the scrutiny facing Pakistan cricket after its T20 World Cup loss to India. Analysts see this as part of a broader discussion on leadership, team selection, and player preparedness. Fans continue to debate whether the U-turn affects Akhtar’s credibility or highlights deeper structural issues within the PCB.
The controversy illustrates the intense pressure on Pakistan cricket authorities and players, particularly when facing high-profile rivals in major tournaments like the T20 World Cup
Written by 8JJ.com News Desk | February 17, 2026
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