The biggest news of the day was that Gaddafi Stadium was ready and looking spectacular
10 February, 2025
PHOTO: X/PCB
Whoever came up with this brilliant idea deserves appreciation. A press conference table was set up along the boundary of the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium, where PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was seated. The magnificent stadium structure was clearly visible in the background, and Mohsin Naqvi's calm demeanor indicated that he had accomplished his task. He confidently answered journalists questions, while just a few steps away, the selectors were also present. On the same day, Pakistan,s squad for the triangular series was to be announced. The media expected that the unofficial chief selector, Aaqib Javed, might also speak, but he and the other selectors remained separate.
The biggest news of the day was that Gaddafi Stadium was ready and looking spectacular. However, shortly after, when the squad announcement was released, cricket experts were left bewildered. The team selection lacked balance, and several choices were questioned. Allegations of political interference surfaced. Thus, Mohsin Naqvi,s remarkable achievement of completing the stadium was overshadowed by the squad selection controversy.
A video of Asad Shafiq was also released, in which he discussed the team selection. Globally, whenever squads are announced for mega-events, selectors hold press conferences to justify their decisions. But in Pakistan, the selectors were avoiding the media as if they were facing fearsome bowlers from their playing days. Perhaps they knew they had made mistakes and would be questioned. On social media, some linked Faheem Ashraf,s selection to certain viral photos, while Khushdil Shah,s inclusion also puzzled many. As for Usman Khan, it seems there’s s an agreement allowing him to be picked automatically after leaving the UAE, regardless of performance.
Only one regular opener, Fakhar Zaman, was selected. Besides him, no top-order batsman appeared capable of hitting big shots. Babar Azam, already struggling with confidence, was forcibly made an opener. Test cricketer Saud Shakeel was also surprisingly included. The only specialist spinner picked was Abrar Ahmed. While the pace attack seemed solid, Pakistan and UAE pitches rarely favor pacers enough to win matches single-handedly.
During stadium construction delays, whenever I asked Mohsin Naqvi,s close associates, they confidently said, Mohsin “kar lega” and indeed, he did. Similarly, Mohammad Rizwan has complete trust in Babar Azam. When asked in a press conference who would open, Rizwan replied, King (Babar) karlega . But at least in the first match against New Zealand, that didn’t t work out. No one doubts Babar,s talent, but he has been struggling to score. Instead of easing his burden, making him open only added to the challenge. His naturally cautious approach wasted the powerplay, as he managed only 10 runs in 10 overs. Thankfully, Fakhar Zaman played aggressively; otherwise, the defeat would have been even worse.
New Zealand fielded two slow bowlers, who succeeded, while Pakistan played just one specialist spinner. So-called all-rounder Khushdil Shah failed in both batting and bowling. Now, Faheem Ashraf should also be tested in the next match to see his talent as well. Mohsin Naqvi has authorized the selectors to make changes if needed, but the ICC allows changes without reason only until the 11th February . A few days after the squad announcement, Aaqib Javed faced the media and made it clear that no changes would be made. Whether this decision is due to his ego or external pressure, only he knows.
Right now, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is one of the most powerful figures in the country. If the selectors are under pressure, they should speak up as he can resolve the issue. As for ego, it has destroyed many before. Mohsin Naqvi does not interfere in selectors decisions; otherwise, he would have made changes himself. If Pakistan enters the Champions Trophy with this squad and, God forbid, performs poorly, the blame will fall entirely on the selectors. I would not name anyone, or people will say I am promoting my favorite player, but everyone knows a regular opener and a proper spinner are essential. Instead of parachuting in so-called all-rounders, deserving players should be selected on merit.
Pakistan is hosting a major ICC event after years, and fans are hopeful for victory. However, the performance against New Zealand was highly disappointing. The visitors hit sixes effortlessly, as if playing against amateurs, while Pakistan’s batters looked timid. PCB has revamped the Gaddafi Stadium with new structures, seats, lights, and screens but the team officials and players remain the same, so the performance remains unchanged.
Aaqib Javed and his team should take a lesson from their boss, Mohsin Naqvi, who ignored criticism and swiftly completed the stadium. The selectors, fearing backlash for reversing decisions, have remained silent. Time is running out as once the deadline passes, changes can only be made in case of injury. In the next two days, we will see if Aaqib shows speed or stays silent. But one thing is cleared after years, Pakistani cricket fans are excited, and their hopes should not be sacrificed at the altar of someones ego.
