{
  "id": 5265202,
  "title": "'Look at what the rankings were before': PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi hits back at critics amid Pakistan cricket turmoil",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/look-at-what-the-rankings-were-before-pcb-chief-mohsin-naqvi-hits",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T06:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/look-rankings-were-pcb-chief-063500031.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has responded to criticism over the recent changes made to Pakistan's Test cricket squad ahead of the third and final Test against England. The PCB unveiled a major overhaul of the squad just prior to the third Test, which is scheduled to commence on September 9. The decision came after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests, losing by an innings in the first and ending in a 194-run margin in the second.\n\nCritics, including former cricketers, fans, and analysts, have condemned these changes, arguing that they were unnecessary given the team's poor performance. However, Naqvi remains unfazed by the backlash, stating that he is firmly convinced that the decisions taken during the England tour were essential. He also mentioned that he was examining matters beyond the team's performances, but deemed it inappropriate to discuss issues not directly related to cricket at this time.\n\nNaqvi pointed out that Pakistan's Test results have been disappointing, but he also highlighted improvements in the team's performance in white-ball cricket, such as limited-overs matches during his tenure. When challenging the critics, he said, \"I have never been afraid of criticism, and I never will be. Those who say cricket has been destroyed since I came - look at what the rankings were before.\"",
  "summary": "Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi defended sweeping Test squad and coaching changes after Pakistan’s heavy 2-0 series loss to England. Seven players were dropped and five uncapped players added, while Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke took coaching roles. Despite criticism from former cricketers and fans, Naqvi called the decisions \"essential\" and defended his record, highlighting progress…",
  "key_points": [
    "PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi responds to criticism over squad changes.",
    "Naqvi confident in decisions made during England tour.",
    "Pakistan's Test rankings improved before current turmoil."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Mohsin Naqvi's defiant response to criticism signals a more robust approach to handling scrutiny, as he shifts the focus to past rankings to justify his decisions and vision for Pakistan cricket.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "'Look at what the rankings were before': PCB chief Naqvi hits back at critics",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/look-at-what-the-rankings-were-before-pcb-chief-naqvi-hits-back-at",
        "published": "2026-09-03T01:05:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}