Mohsin Naqvi likely to be nominated for role of PCB chairman

Mohsin Naqvi, the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan, has recently caught headlines as he is reportedly to be named as the new chairperson of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Geo News' reports have suggested that the official announcement will be made after a green signal is given by the PCB Patron-in-Chief and Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

With the nomination, Naqvi will be set to replace the former chairperson of PCB's management committee, Zaka Ashraf. Notably, Ashraf resigned from his position recently due to ongoing disputes in the management committee. On the event of his possible appointment, Naqvi has said that sorting out problems surrounding the cricket board's managerial end will be his first and foremost priority.

“I will try to fix the issues affecting Pakistan cricket. Reforms in cricket are the need of the hour,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by Geo.

Pakistan look to recoup from New Zealand series loss

Speaking of Pakistan’s recent showings, the side took on New Zealand in a five-game T20I series. The side miserably lost the first four games and, with it, the series as well. However, the side came back and won the fifth T20I at the Hagley Oval on Sunday, January 21. The margin of victory was 42 runs for the Men in Green, which only proved to be a consolation win.

The side got off to a subpar start as opener Haseebullah Khan was dismissed for a duck, Mohammad Rizwan stabilised the innings with a score of 38 runs in 38 deliveries, and Fakhar Zaman added 33 runs on the board as well. Star batter Babar Azam also played an underwhelming knock with 13 runs off 24 deliveries. Furthermore, Sahibzada Farhan (19) and Abbas Afridi (15) made handy runs towards the fag end of the innings as Pakistan posted a total of 134/8.

As for New Zealand, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Ish Sodhi took two wickets each. Aiming to chase down the target, Pakistan’s bowling attack put forth a phenomenal job to defend the target. Bundling out New Zealand for just 92 runs, the visitors won the fifth T20I. After losing the series 4-1, the Shaheen Afridi-led side will hope for an improved performance in their upcoming matches.