Mohsin Naqvi breaks silence on reports of becoming next ICC Chairman after Jay Shah

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has put an end to the growing buzz around him potentially becoming the next ICC Chairman. Speaking to the media after a Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match in Karachi, Naqvi made it clear that he is not considering such a move at this stage.

Mohsin Naqvi’s focus remains on current roles

Speculation about Naqvi’s possible elevation to the top post in world cricket had been gaining momentum over the past few days, especially on social media. Reports claimed that he could take over as ICC Chairman for a future term, but these claims turned out to be baseless. A closer look revealed that no credible source had confirmed such developments, and the rumours were largely driven by unverified posts circulating online.

Addressing the question directly, Naqvi offered a straightforward response that left little room for interpretation. “No, there are a lot of things already,” he said, firmly rejecting the idea. His answer reflected his current priorities, as he continues to juggle multiple responsibilities in cricket administration.

At present, Naqvi holds two key positions – PCB Chairman and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Managing both roles requires significant attention, and his comments suggest that he is focused on fulfilling these duties rather than seeking additional responsibilities on the global stage.

The timing of these rumours is also important. With PSL 11 underway, Naqvi’s immediate focus is on ensuring the tournament runs smoothly. The league is currently being held under challenging circumstances, with matches played in Karachi and Lahore and limited fan access due to ongoing concerns. In such a situation, the PCB chief appears more concerned with operational matters than future leadership prospects.

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PSL priorities and leadership stability take centre stage for Naqvi

Beyond dismissing the ICC speculation, Naqvi also addressed issues directly impacting Pakistani cricket, particularly the absence of spectators in PSL matches. Fan presence has always been a key part of the league’s identity, and its absence has been felt by players and franchises alike.

Naqvi acknowledged this concern and revealed that he plans to take the matter up with the country’s leadership. “I will speak again to the prime minister regarding the crowd,” he said, indicating his intention to push for the return of spectators to stadiums. His statement reflects the importance of restoring the vibrant atmosphere that PSL is known for.

However, he also made it clear that the tournament schedule will remain unchanged. This suggests a balanced approach – while he is open to improving the fan experience, he is equally committed to maintaining the league’s structure and continuity.

Meanwhile, the speculation around the ICC Chairman role also brings attention to the current leadership scenario. Jay Shah assumed office as ICC Chairman in December 2024 and is still in the early phase of his tenure. There has been no official indication from the ICC about any upcoming change, making the rumours about Naqvi even more unlikely at this stage.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Naqvi has had to address speculation regarding his role in international cricket. In the past, he has also dismissed suggestions of personal ambitions influencing his decisions, consistently emphasising that his focus is on the betterment of Pakistan cricket and maintaining respect within the global cricketing framework.

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