Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly dismissed former PCB chairman Najam Sethi’s remarks regarding the board’s handling of former captain Rashid Latif’s recent controversy. Naqvi termed Sethi’s statements “baseless, inaccurate, and completely disconnected from facts.”
Responding to Sethi on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi clarified that the PCB’s action against Rashid Latif had nothing to do with silencing criticism. “Najam Sethi, your statements are entirely wrong, ill-timed, and not aligned with reality,” he wrote.
According to Naqvi, the inquiry initiated by the PCB was triggered by what the board described as “deliberately spread false and defamatory allegations,” and not due to Latif’s opinions about team selection or policy decisions.
“Our actions are strictly within the legal framework,” Naqvi stated. “Our focus remains on safeguarding Pakistan cricket and the integrity of its players.”
Naqvi confirmed that Rashid Latif has now apologised publicly, retracting his earlier comments and endorsing the PCB’s stance. “We welcome his apology and acknowledge it,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Rashid Latif issued a clarification on X, expressing regret for his remarks about the PCB’s handling of Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy removal.
Najam Sethi’s Criticism
Najam Sethi had criticised the PCB earlier, claiming that Rashid Latif was facing an FIA inquiry simply for posting critical comments about PCB policies on social media. Calling the move “oppressive,” Sethi said he expected the judiciary to protect freedom of expression.
Background
Rashid Latif recently condemned the PCB following Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as captain. The board responded sharply, stating that Latif had levelled “false accusations” regarding internal team matters.
With Latif now issuing an apology, the PCB maintains that its actions were not an attempt to curb criticism but a response to misinformation that could harm the board’s credibility.
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