From boycott U-turn to political storm: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi risks exit as army chief Asim Munir reportedly unhappy

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi finds himself in deep trouble as Pakistan’s Army chief Field Marshall Asim Munir, the de facto head of the country, is reportedly displeased with the functioning of the administrator, who is also the country’s Interior Minister. Interestingly, the displeasure doesn’t stem from Naqvi’s poor handling of Pakistan’s cricket or the national team’s resounding recent loss to India, but from his daring to drag Munir’s name into cricket politics.

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It all started just a few hours before Pakistan unsurprisingly made a U-turn on the decision to boycott India’s match in the T20 World Cup 2026. Considering the financial importance of the clash, a withdrawal by Pakistan was well expected, but PCB chief Naqvi stoked a fresh controversy moments before the government made a U-turn by throwing Asim Munir’s name during a press interaction.

When asked if PCB or Pakistan was under pressure to withdraw the boycott due to fear of sanctions from Jay Shah-led International Cricket Council (ICC), Naqvi leaned on Field Marshall Munir’s name while daring the global body and India.

“You know we are not ones to be afraid of these threats at all. Everyone knows our Field Marshall (Asim Munir). We are not worried about any sanctions,” Naqvi said.

Asim Munir complains about Naqvi to PAK PM

This reference to Munir’s name without a military clearance has led to a massive controversy in Pakistan, according to News18. Munir is reportedly unhappy at being dragged into a cricketing and administrative matter. It’s being seen as an “overreach” by Naqvi.

“Pakistan’s political structure — where the military wields considerable influence over civilian affairs — the unauthorised use of the army chief’s name in a politically charged sporting context is being viewed as overreach,” the News18 report read.

The situation has been made worse by Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to India in Colombo on Sunday. Munir has reportedly alleged mishandling within PCB and with team affairs in a communication with the Prime Minister’s office in Pakistan.

“Sources indicate that Munir conveyed his concerns to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif through the Prime Minister’s Military Secretary. The message is said to have highlighted what the army chief considers mishandling within the PCB, ranging from team preparation issues to unnecessarily combative public statements,” the report added.

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Interestingly, this can bring an end to Naqvi’s tenure as PCB boss as PM Sharif may have to sack him to appease the military establishment. Naqvi could also lose his job due to his constant politicking with cricketing matters.

He was at the forefront as Pakistan boycotted the India match in the T20 World Cup. Naqvi also decided to take the spotlight before the match, but left the stadium midway through Pakistan’s loss.

He has reportedly sent a stern message to the team, complaining about their fighting spirit. But it’s no surprise that the Pakistan cricket team is playing so badly. With administrators prioritising politics, the team environment is far from being conducive to doing well at the highest stage. And in that context, maybe Naqvi losing his job would not be bad news for Pakistan cricket.

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