Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar launched a scathing attack on PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi after the Men in Green suffered an embarrassing 61-run defeat at the hands of India in the T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash in Colombo on Sunday (February 15).
Speaking on ABP News, Akhtar called Naqvi "incompetent and illiterate", insisting that the latter is unfit to serve as chairman of the PCB.
However, the Rawalpindi Express made a desperate attempt to retract his statement when he appeared as an expert on a Pakistani news channel.
Akhtar explained that his usage of the words "incompetent and illiterate" was in the broader context and not directed towards Mohsin Naqvi "bhai".
"The words 'incompetent and jaahil (illiterate)' that I used were not meant for Mohsin Naqvi bhai. It looked like I said those words for him. The incompetency topic I spoke about was from a broader perspective: that such a person can destroy any institution. My hint was not towards Mohsin Naqvi (said while fumbling repeatedly) but the top brass that is running international cricket. But the television channel twisted it. In the same programme, I also said that we should not say wrong things about Mohsin Naqvi, he is a good guy. He wants to help Pakistan cricket but does not get the right advice," Akhtar said on ARY News.
Shoaib Akhtar admitted that he is indeed angry with Naqvi, but for backtracking from the stance of boycotting T20 World Cup match against India.
"I am angry with him as he took a stand but did not stick with it. The entire community was with him. He could have asked me about taking the U-turn," Akhtar remarked.
Coming to the match, India outplayed Pakistan in all facets of the game to make it 8-1 against the arch-rivals in T20 World Cups.
Riding on Ishan Kishan’s swashbuckling 77 off just 40 balls, the defending champions racked up 175/7 on the board. Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 29), Shivam Dube (27 off 17), Tilak Varma (25 off 24) and Rinku Singh (11* of 4) also made handy contributions with the bat on a tacky wicket.
In reply, Pakistan’s innings folded for a mere 114 in 18 overs. Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy picked up two wickets each for India, while Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak returned with scalp apiece.
With this win, India sealed their place in the Super 8s. They will face Netherlands in the last group-stage fixture in Ahmedabad on February 18. On the other hand, Pakistan cannot afford any slip-up against Namibia if they want to qualify for the super eight phase of the tournament.
