PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi dismisses reports of becoming next ICC chairman

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has rejected reports suggesting he is set to become the next chairman of the International Cricket Council, calling the claims baseless.

Speculation circulating on social media earlier this week claimed that Naqvi—who also heads the Asian Cricket Council—was preparing to assume a third major leadership role in international cricket, potentially replacing Jay Shah at the ICC.

Speaking to reporters at National Bank Stadium after a Pakistan Super League match between Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans, Naqvi dismissed the rumours.

“No, there are a lot of things already,” he said when asked about the possibility of taking over the ICC role.

During the same interaction, Naqvi said he would again approach Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to seek permission for spectators to attend ongoing PSL matches. He emphasised that the PCB is keen to restore crowd presence at stadiums.

“I will speak again to the prime minister regarding the crowd,” he said.

However, Naqvi noted that any decision would need to consider broader global challenges, including the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The PCB recently announced that PSL matches would be held without spectators as part of government austerity measures linked to the regional situation.

The board has also limited venues for the current PSL season to Karachi and Lahore to reduce public movement and manage logistical concerns. These steps align with wider government efforts to address the global fuel crisis and contain expenditures.

Following the decision, several PSL franchise owners urged authorities to reconsider, arguing that fan attendance is vital to the league’s atmosphere.