KARACHI: A swirl of online chatter has raised a tantalising question: could Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi one day become Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC)?
In recent weeks, social‑media posts and aggregator snippets have circulated claims that Naqvi is “set to succeed Jay Shah as ICC Chairman from 2028 to 2032.” Many of these posts carry vague captions styled like ESPN headlines, but fact‑checkers caution that the claims are unverified, speculative, and likely click‑bait rather than official announcements. The ICC itself has not named a successor, nor has any formal nomination process been disclosed.
Naqvi’s own words
When pressed in television interviews, including appearances on private TV, Naqvi has avoided confirming the rumours. His responses have leaned toward downplaying the chatter, focusing instead on domestic cricket priorities: PCB‑government coordination, Pakistan Super League security, and Pakistan’s role in ICC deliberations. His reluctance to give a direct “yes” suggests he does not view the matter as settled.
Why his name surfaces
Naqvi’s active presence in ICC‑related diplomacy — from discussions around the T20 World Cup 2026 to bilateral talks with Bangladesh and ICC officials — explains why succession gossip attaches to his profile. Yet none of the linked coverage, whether on Geo channels or Pakistan‑focused outlets, presents him as the designated next ICC chief. They largely recycle the same speculative timeline without substantiating it.
The bottom line
For now, the idea of Mohsin Naqvi becoming ICC Chairman remains firmly in the realm of rumour. Until the ICC or PCB issues a formal announcement or vote, any claim that he “will” take the role should be treated as speculation, not fact.
Interestingly, the curiosity lingers, but the evidence does not.
