KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday denied rumors that he would succeed India’s Jai Shah as the new president of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Rumors swirled on social media earlier this week that Naqvi, who is also the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), will now play a triple role in the world of cricket by becoming the new president of the apex body headed by Shah.
However, speaking to the media at the National Bank Stadium after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match between Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans, Naqvi categorically dismissed the speculations.
“No, there are already a lot of things,” Naqvi said when asked if he could be the next ICC president.
The PCB chairman further shared that he will once again request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow fans to watch the ongoing PSL 11 at the stadium.
“I will talk to the Prime Minister again about the meeting,” Naqvi told reporters in Karachi, adding that the PCB would make every effort to bring the visitors back to the stadium.
However, the PCB chairman emphasized the need to consider the global crises arising from the Middle East conflict.
His comments come days after the PCB announced that PSL matches will be played without spectators as part of the government’s austerity measures amid the ongoing regional crisis.
At that time, Naqvi announced that he would limit the tournament to two stadiums, Karachi and Lahore. He also said that this decision has been taken to reduce public movement.
The decision follows the government’s massive austerity and savings programs to tackle the ongoing global fuel crisis.
Later, several franchise owners called back spectators, stressing that the presence of fans is vital to the league’s atmosphere and identity.
They appealed to both the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers to allow gatherings in stadiums during the ongoing edition.
While he announced his desire to ensure that audiences return to the arena, Naqvi ruled out any change in schedule.