Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi spoke about the staggering defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in the first Test. The visitors won their first-ever Test match against Pakistan, and they won it in style!
Najmul Shanto & Co. scripted a ten-wicket win over the hosts, chasing the minimal 30-run target in under seven overs on the final day. In what looked to end in a draw for the most part, Bangladesh turned things around in the last two days to record a handsome victory.
As a result of the loss, Pakistan have dropped down to eighth, with Bangladesh climbing a spot higher (7th) on the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table. Naqvi expressed his sadness on the defeat to Asian minnows on home soil.
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What did PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi say about defeat against Bangladesh?
Addressing reporters after Pakistan's defeat in the inaugural Test, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi lamented the unexpected loss suffered in Rawalpindi.
He revealed how the selection committee did their homework ahead of the series, and the think-tank could have a possible strategic error in the first game.
Naqvi also insisted on the pitch, and that he has asked for the pitch report ahead of the second Test. The final game, which was originally scheduled in Karachi, will be held in Rawalpindi due to the renovation of the National Stadium for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The PCB chief said, "I am very sad about the defeat to Bangladesh. The selection committee gave the list of 17 players. Now the selection was up to the coach and the captain, it was their choice. I have no say in that.
"There have been talks on the poor pitch condition. I have asked for a report on the pitch, and I will look into the matter."
He added, "However, regarding the player selection, the committee did give the coaches their list of all players, including spinners. If the captain and coach have made a strategic error, then we are there to support and ensure such mistakes do not happen henceforth."
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 🏏#𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 pic.twitter.com/YQOUNcEPlg
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 26, 2024
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What next for Pakistan?
Shan Masood & Co. will make a last-ditch attempt at taking something out of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The second and final game will also be played at Rawalpindi, scheduled from August 30 to September 03, 2024.
Pakistan would have to make it count in the final home game before England's visit to the country in October, later this year. A win for Pakistan would keep their hopes up, albeit grim, for a place in the WTC final in 2025. A loss, on the other hand, would have the team disqualified from the reckoning.
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