Controversy travels fast and when it involves former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar, it travels even faster.
The former Pakistan speedster, famously nicknamed the “Rawalpindi Express”, found himself at the center of a media storm after making strong remarks about Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). But in less than 24 hours, the tone changed completely.
During an interview with an Indian news channel, Shoaib Akhtar used harsh words while discussing Mohsin Naqvi, calling him “incompetent and jaahil (ignorant)”. The comments quickly spread across social media, drawing sharp reactions from fans and critics alike.
However, the very next day, Shoaib Akhtar appeared on a Pakistani news channel to clarify his position and step back from the controversy.
He explained that the words “incompetent” and “jaahil (ignorant)” were not directed at Mohsin Naqvi personally. According to Shoaib Akhtar, it only seemed that way. He said he was speaking more generally about how incompetence at the top can harm any institution. He further claimed that his actual criticism was aimed at the ICC and not Mohsin Naqvi.
Shoaib Akhtar also stated that his comments were twisted and taken out of context by the channel.
In his clarification, Shoaib Akhtar made it clear that he does not see Mohsin Naqvi as the problem. He said he had also mentioned in the same program that people should not speak wrongly about Mohsin Naqvi. In fact, he described Naqvi as a good person who wants to improve Pakistan cricket but may not be receiving proper advice from those around him.
According to Shoaib Akhtar, his concerns were about the people advising Mohsin Naqvi, not the PCB chairman himself. Even after softening his words, Shoaib Akhtar admitted he remains unhappy about the PCB’s change of stance regarding the T20 World Cup 2026. He said Mohsin Naqvi initially took a firm stand but later reversed that position. Shoaib Akhtar believes the cricket community supported the original decision and felt let down by the sudden shift. He added that Mohsin Naqvi could have reached out to him before making such a move.
So what really happened? Was it a misunderstanding? Media spin? Or outside pressure?
Whatever the reason, Shoaib Akhtar once again proved that even after retirement, he remains one of the most talked-about figures in Pakistan cricket, thanks to his controversial statements. What do you say?
