Mohsin Naqvi optimistic about Pakistan's Asia Cup performance

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that Pakistan’s national cricket team is performing well and he expects an even better display in the upcoming Asia Cup.

Speaking at a press conference at the PCB headquarters in Lahore, he stressed that supporters should avoid excessive criticism and stand firmly behind the players. Naqvi, who is also the president of Asian Cricket Council (ACC), said the team is capable of producing strong performances and deserves encouragement rather than negativity.

Cricket at grassroots level

The PCB chairman praised the role of Ghani Club in Lahore, describing its efforts to promote cricket at the grassroots as commendable. He noted that such initiatives were vital for the future of the sport in Pakistan and called for the establishment of more clubs across the country.

Team selection

Responding to questions regarding team selection, Naqvi clarified that he played no role in deciding which players are chosen. He explained that the selection panel holds extensive discussions, sometimes lasting several hours, before finalising the squad.

Naqvi reiterated that the objective remains to provide opportunities to the best available players, ensuring the national side enters every competition with strength and determination.

Asia Cup 2025

Commenting on cricketing ties with India, Naqvi stated that Pakistan would maintain relations on equal terms. He emphasised that the team would give its best in the highly anticipated matches against India, while the outcome ultimately rests with God.

India rules out bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, but Asia Cup clash to go ahead

The statement comes less than three weeks from the scheduled start of the Asia Cup in the UAE, where India and Pakistan, drawn in the same group, are set to meet at least once (on September 14 in Dubai), and potentially up to three times. It will be India's first cricket match against Pakistan since the two countries exchanged cross-border hostilities following the Pahalgam attack in April.

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