As criticism of the Pakistani cricket team and the governing body grew, Iceland Cricket made a playful jab at Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). As Pakistan struggled in the current Test series against England, the Iceland Cricket account on X issued a fictitious challenge to ridicule the PCB’s recent selection decisions. After the second Test, the PCB decided to send seven players home because Pakistan had lost the previous two Test matches against England.
Before the Birmingham Test, the PCB discharged seven players: Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. Ashley Noffke replaced bowling coach Umar Gul, and Mike Hesson joined the team as part of the mid-series restructure.
Taking it to X, Iceland Cricket said, “We are going to launch a new cricketing challenge for coastal cricketers. Clear an iceberg and you win an all-expenses paid educational trip to meet Mohsin Naqvi and learn about selection strategy. Trip can be one-way if you wish.”
The players had already gone to a supper with King Charles following Pakistan’s loss at Lord’s. During the tour, Iceland Cricket made a playful jab at the Pakistan squad and the PCB.
It said, “You can bet he didn’t know who most of the players were, because nobody else does.”
Following PCB notices to members of the selection committee, Misbah-ul-Haq opted to quit from the committee, further escalating the selection chaos. During a challenging time for Pakistani cricket, the PCB’s decision-making structure came under increasing pressure and criticism, which was reflected in the series of changes. The instability in Pakistan’s cricket administration was highlighted by the mid-series makeover, coaching changes, and player releases.
