Mohsin Naqvi says sports ties with India will only be on equal terms

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that all future discussions with the Indian cricket board will be held on a level playing field, declaring that the era of “begging” is over.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the GRT club at the Ghani Institute of Cricket in Lahore on Saturday, PCB chairman stressed that team selection is the sole responsibility of the selection committee.

Setting aside the speculations, Naqvi categorically clarified that he played no role in including or excluding players from the squad.

“Selectors are professionals and have been instructed to make decisions strictly on merit.”

He praised the role of local clubs in promoting the sport, describing their efforts as commendable, and noted that women’s teams are also actively participating at such venues.

Commenting on PCB’s policy regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Naqvi maintained that any dialogue would only be pursued based on equality. “The time has passed when we would go begging to them.”

The PCB chief also expressed optimism about the national side’s future, assuring that the team’s performance would soon be visible. He further stated that all those requiring visas for Dubai to attend the upcoming Asia Cup would be granted them without difficulty.

Naqvi chairs 80th meeting of PCB Board of Governors: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi chaired 80th meeting of the PCB Board of Governors to review the measures to improve the quality of cricket.

The meeting was attended by Board of Governors members Anwar Ghani, Zaheer Abbas, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Zafarullah, Tanveer Ahmed, Ismail Qureshi, Tariq Sarwar and others.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer PSL Salman Naseer, Chief Financial Officer International Cricket, Media and Communication, Domestic Cricket, Human Resources, Head of Women’s Cricket and officials of the Legal Department also attended the meeting.

During the meeting detailed discussion were made on on improving team performance in international cricket. The detailed briefing was given on grassroots level initiatives to promote women’s cricket, domestic cricket and bringing forward young talent.

Board of Governors also reviewed on the upgradation of High Performance Centers. The meeting also approved the updated financial rules of the PCB besides the reappointment of auditors for the current financial year.

During Board of Governors meeting, approval was given for procedural changes for adoption of Global Anti-Corruption Code and changes in procedures for scrutiny of clubs. The meeting ratified the decisions of the 78th and 79th meetings of the BOG.