Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday denied reports suggesting that he could become the next International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman.
Speculation had surfaced on social media earlier this week claiming that Naqvi, who also serves as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), was being considered for a leading role in world cricket, possibly succeeding India’s Jay Shah.
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However, speaking to the media at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match between Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans, Naqvi clearly rejected these claims.
“No, there are a lot of things already,” said Naqvi when asked about the possibility of him taking over as ICC chairman.
During the interaction, the PCB chief also mentioned that he would once again approach Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the return of fans to PSL matches.
“I will speak again to the Prime Minister regarding the crowd,” Naqvi told reporters, adding that the board would continue efforts to bring spectators back into stadiums.
He further noted that decisions are being made while keeping in mind the broader regional situation, especially the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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His remarks come after the PCB earlier decided to hold PSL matches behind closed doors as part of government-directed austerity measures amid the regional crisis.
At that time, the board also confirmed that the remaining matches would be staged only in Karachi and Lahore to limit travel and public movement.
Following the decision, several franchise owners urged authorities to allow fans back into stadiums, stressing that crowd support is an important part of the league’s identity.
They appealed to both the Prime Minister and Provincial Chief Ministers to reconsider the restriction on spectators.
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While Naqvi reiterated efforts to restore crowd attendance, he confirmed that there would be no changes to the PSL schedule.
