Not minor surgery, but major overhaul needed in Pakistan cricket: PCB chief

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has promised significant changes in Pakistan cricket following the national team's shocking 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test in Rawalpindi. Speaking to the media on Monday, Naqvi assured fans that he would address the team's ongoing problems, stating, "I will fix the issues in Pakistan cricket, God willing. And changes are on the way."

 The loss sparked outrage amongst former players and fans alike, with cricketing stalwarts such as Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, and Fawad Alam criticizing the team's performance. Hafeez pointedly reminded Naqvi of his previous statement following Pakistan's poor showing at the ICC World T20 earlier this year, where the chairman had spoken about the need for a "major overhaul" in Pakistan cricket.

 "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 had said after Pakistan's defeat to India in the World Cup. Despite that declaration, no significant changes were made, and the same senior players took to the field under the captaincy of Shan Masood, who has now suffered four consecutive Test defeats since taking over last December.

Naqvi, however, reiterated his commitment to restructuring the team and hinted at behind-the-scenes efforts to bring about the necessary changes. "Remember my words, things will not remain the same, and a lot is happening in the background," he said, without revealing specific details. 

Shahid Afridi also voiced his frustration with the team's selection strategy, criticizing the decision to play four fast bowlers without a specialist spinner on a Pindi pitch that traditionally favors spinners. "How can you not read your own home conditions? Playing four pacers on this pitch is unacceptable," Afridi said in a scathing reaction to the defeat.

As the PCB faces growing scrutiny, Naqvi's promise of changes may bring hope to fans eager to see a turnaround in the team's fortunes. However, the pressure remains high as Pakistan looks to bounce back in the ongoing series and rebuild for the future.