‘Incompetent, biggest crime, India far ahead’: Shoaib Akhtar slams PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi on live TV

Shoaib Akhtar takes dig at Pak board chief Mohsin Naqvi on live TV

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board and its leadership, targeting PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi following Pakistan’s humiliating 61-run loss to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash at R Premadasa International Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking to ABP News, Akhtar questioned Naqvi’s competence and criticized the board for continuing to back senior players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, who underperformed in crucial matches.

"Now, one guy doesn't even know he's the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. How will the team run now? You're saying one guy, you've made him a superstar, he can't win a single match. You've made him a star who can't win a single living match," Akhtar said.

He added, "Brother, when you make these kinds of stars, when you choose them, when you pick them, then you'll have this problem only. But again, the point is, if you see, you know what the biggest crime in the world is? The biggest crime in the world is that you give a big job to an incompetent person."

Former pacer warns of consequences of poor leadership

Akhtar highlighted the broader implications of appointing unqualified people to key positions. "When you give a big job to an incompetent and ignorant person, he will destroy the country. He will bring down any organization. The example is in front of you, you're intelligent enough to understand," he said.

Akhtar calls for accountability

Akhtar stressed the need for accountability from both the PCB and senior players. "India have gone very far ahead, and we have been left very far behind. It’s all about TRP now (television rating points). We aren’t going to see any fight on the pitch, but I hope Pakistan can beat Namibia, reach Super 8s, and some kind of miracle can happen. I’ll keep backing Pakistan," he concluded.

The loss has intensified scrutiny on Pakistan’s team management, with critics highlighting the mismatch between the country’s cricket administration and on-field performance. Akhtar’s remarks underline the growing frustration among fans and former players over repeated failures in high-pressure matches.

Embarrassed Naqvi leaves before the match ends

Mohsin Naqvi exited the stadium while Pakistan were still five wickets down in their chase. The PCB chief, who had come to Colombo for meetings with cricket administrators, including Jay Shah, left as the required run rate climbed and Pakistan struggled to keep up.

India dominates Pakistan in Colombo

In the match, India batted first and posted 175/7, powered by Ishan Kishan’s 77 off 40 balls. Pakistan’s chase collapsed under pressure, with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy taking two wickets each, while Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma chipped in with one apiece. Pakistan were all out for 114, handing India a 61-run victory.