Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has clarified that his recent comments on Indian media platforms were not directed at Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but rather at those managing international cricket affairs.
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Shoaib Akhtar said his remarks were misrepresented across Indian media. He stressed that he has supported Naqvi for the past two to three years, describing him as a sincere individual committed to improving Pakistan cricket. However, Akhtar added that the PCB chief is not receiving sound advice. “If he receives the right guidance, he can do a great deal for Pakistan cricket,” he said, noting that Naqvi does not have deep technical knowledge of the sport but is eager to learn.
🚨 BIGGEST U-TURN BY SHOAIB AKHTAR 📷
15 FEB – Mohsin Naqvi is the biggest illiterate, who is ruining Pak cricket
16 FEB – I have said illiterate to ICC and not to the Mohsin Naqvi 📷 😅
– In just 24 hours, Rawalpindi Express made the biggest U-turn 😅 pic.twitter.com/wOsmpK3OfN
— The Truth Signal (@The_TruthSignal) February 17, 2026
The former pacer also acknowledged Pakistan’s inconsistent performances over the past decade, saying the national side has struggled to maintain standards. He pointed out that Shaheen Shah Afridi is not fully fit, while T20 cricket does not ideally suit Babar Azam unless he opens the innings. According to Akhtar, batting Babar lower in the order reduces his effectiveness. He further questioned the continued selection of Shadab Khan, saying he does not understand the all-rounder’s role in the current setup and adding that Pakistan has “created the wrong kind of stars”.
Comparing regional standards, Akhtar said India is playing cricket that is decades ahead, while Pakistan remains stuck in outdated systems. He attributed the gap to poor infrastructure investment and flawed decision-making, arguing that responsibility lies across the cricket establishment.
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Reflecting on his playing days, Akhtar recalled Pakistan’s victories over India on their home soil. He criticised the system for elevating unsuitable players into stardom, investing heavily in them, and appointing coaches who failed to modernise Pakistan cricket’s approach.