Mohsin Naqvi, Sethi engage in social media spat over PCB action against Rashid Latif

Former Pakistan Test captain criticised surrogate advertising and Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as ODI captain

Web Desk

|

22 Nov 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and former PCB chief Najam Sethi engaged in a social media spat over former Pakistan Test captain Rashid Latif’s comments about board policies.

Latif earlier criticised surrogate advertising and Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as ODI captain, prompting the PCB to file a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

He was summoned to appear at the agency’s Lahore office on November 17 and later challenged the inquiry in the Islamabad High Court, calling it illegal and beyond lawful authority.

On Saturday, Latif publicly apologised, calling his remarks “an error of judgement.” He said his main concern was potential violations of government advisories and stressed that he never intended to accuse any individual, including players or board members, of wrongdoing.

I write with reference to my recent comments made on social media and in interviews concerning surrogate advertising. My principal contention was related to potential violations of the advisories upon such advertising issued by the Government of Pakistan. At no point, whether…
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) November 22, 2025

Regarding Rizwan’s removal as ODI captain, Latif admitted he made “an unwarranted reference” to the player’s public support for Palestine as a possible factor, acknowledging that the assumption was “inappropriate, unfounded, and not supported by any credible evidence.”

Latif expressed regret for any distress caused and said he withdraws his remarks unconditionally.

Former PCB chief Sethi defended Latif, calling the complaint “trumped up” and urging authorities to avoid repressive tactics while stressing the judiciary should protect freedoms.

PCB Chairman Naqvi responded, calling Sethi’s comments “misplaced, ill-timed, and factually incorrect.” He said the PCB’s action aimed at stopping the spread of false and defamatory allegations, not silencing criticism.

"Our proceedings have remained fully within the law and focused solely on protecting the integrity of Pakistan cricket and its players. Rashid Latif has apologised in his tweet today, clearly affirming the Board’s stance. We welcome his apology and offer a clean slate," he added.

"We do not use any other means to silence those who criticise the Board. We protect Pakistan cricket and its assets."

@NajamSethi, your comments are completely misplaced, ill-timed, and factually incorrect.
The PCB’s action against Rashid Latif was never about silencing criticism, it was about addressing the deliberate spread of false and defamatory allegations. Our proceedings have remained… pic.twitter.com/zyrx27ZXlA
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 22, 2025

Sethi replied, "No sir, my concern is not misplaced. I don’t think PCB should use the FIA to silence critics even if their views are misplaced or factually incorrect!"

No sir, my concern is not misplaced. I don’t think PCB should use the FIA to silence critics even if their views are misplaced or factually incorrect! https://t.co/VXxmTcDJRu
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) November 22, 2025