The Iceland Cricket account on X posted an imaginary cricket challenge aimed at mocking the PCB’s selection strategy. The post came as Pakistan faced criticism following two heavy defeats against England in the ongoing three-match Test series.
“We are going to launch a new cricketing challenge for coastal cricketers,” Iceland Cricket wrote. The post jokingly said that anyone who could clear an iceberg would win an “all-expenses paid educational trip” to meet Naqvi and learn about selection strategy. It added that the trip could be one-way.
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The post quickly highlighted the criticism surrounding the PCB and Naqvi, who has defended the board’s decisions despite the difficult situation facing Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan had lost the first two Tests of the series against England, leaving them 0-2 down with one match still to play. Following the second Test, the PCB decided to send seven players home from the touring squad and replace them with mostly young names.
The decision attracted criticism from several former Pakistan players and observers, adding to the pressure on the PCB leadership. Among the former players who have criticised Pakistan’s cricket situation are Shahid Afridi, Mohammed Yousuf and Rashid Latif.
Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, had earlier expressed frustration with the criticism directed at the team. Speaking to the media in London, he argued that setbacks do not mean Pakistan cricket is finished.
He pointed to Pakistan’s progress in ODI rankings and its recent series record while defending the team. Naqvi said Pakistan had improved from eighth to fifth in the ODI rankings and had won four of six ODI series.
He also said the team’s success rate had improved significantly and urged critics and fans not to demoralise the players.
At the same time, Naqvi acknowledged that mistakes can happen in selection and said he was answerable for such decisions. He argued that changes could sometimes be necessary when players fail to perform.
The PCB chief also stressed that rebuilding a cricket team takes time. He said it was not realistic to expect Pakistan to move from ninth place to first within three or six months, indicating that the board’s rebuilding process would require patience.
Despite Naqvi’s defence, Pakistan’s poor Test results and the decision to make major changes to the squad have kept the spotlight firmly on the PCB.
Iceland Cricket’s post added a humorous twist to the growing debate, using sarcasm to question the board’s selection strategy. The “educational trip” remark was clearly framed as a joke, but it came at a time when Pakistan cricket was already facing intense scrutiny.
The post reflects the wider criticism surrounding the team and its administration as Pakistan searches for consistency and a way forward.
