KEY POINTS
- Mohsin Naqvi and Aqib Javed landed Dubai to boost morale and confidence of national cricket team.
- Team management may introduce changes to the playing XI for the India-Pakistan match.
DUBAI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made a surprise visit to Dubai on Saturday, meeting the national team a day before their high-stakes Asia Cup Super Four match against arch-rival India.
According to PCB, Naqvi was accompanied by Aqib Javed, Director of the National Cricket Academy. The surprise arrival of two top officials underscored the magnitude of the encounter and the board’s commitment to backing the team in person during this crucial phase.
The chairman and Javed held an extensive meeting with the national squad, engaging players in a closed-door session aimed at lifting morale and reinforcing self-belief following a tense group stage.
The meeting as “motivational and focused,” with both Naqvi and Aqib encouraging the players to trust their preparation, play fearlessly, and embrace the pressure as an opportunity.
While official confirmation is still pending, sources have hinted that the team management is considering potential changes to the playing XI for Sunday’s blockbuster clash, possibly in response to recent performances and conditions in Dubai.
The unexpected visit comes amid a backdrop of mounting off-field drama, including controversies surrounding the match referee and handshake protocols. However, the PCB’s leadership appears focused on shielding the team from distractions and placing full confidence in their abilities ahead of the tournament’s most high-profile match.
With emotions running high and all eyes on Dubai, Sunday’s encounter promises to be more than just a cricket match, and the PCB has made it clear they’re standing firmly behind their team.
