Speaking to reporters in London on Wednesday, Naqvi questioned whether a few disappointing results were enough to declare that cricket had lost its way in a country.

“South Africa lost to Namibia, India lost to Ireland. At least check there, has cricket finished there?” he said.

Naqvi’s comments come amid intense criticism of the PCB following a major shake-up of Pakistan’s Test squad during the ongoing tour of England. Seven players and two members of the coaching staff were replaced after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s.

The decision attracted criticism from supporters, analysts and former cricketers. Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali told Dawn that such moves could create uncertainty among players and argued that difficult selection decisions should be made within a consistent and stable system.

Naqvi, however, defended the board’s approach and argued that Pakistan’s overall white-ball record showed signs of progress.

He pointed out that Pakistan had improved from eighth to fifth in the ODI rankings and had won four of their last six ODI series.

“You used to be ranked eighth in ODIs, which has now gone up to fifth. You have had six ODI series, out of which you have won four, but still, our cricket is finished,” Naqvi said sarcastically.

He also highlighted an increase in the team’s reported success rate, saying it had risen from 24 percent to 73 percent.

“Our success rate has gone up from 24 pc to 73pc, and I’m not talking about just one or the other specific match, but still, our cricket is finished,” he added.

Naqvi acknowledged that Pakistan’s Test side still had significant room for improvement and said criticism of individual performances and defeats was legitimate. However, he maintained that describing the state of Pakistan cricket as a complete failure was unjustified.

He also defended the PCB’s right to make difficult selection decisions, arguing that changes were sometimes necessary when players failed to deliver.

“Sometimes there are mistakes made in selection as well. I am answerable for that, and we need to work on it,” he said.

According to Naqvi, removing a player should not necessarily be viewed as punishment.

“The purpose is not to kick someone out, but to change them in case they are not clicking,” he explained.

He cited Salman Ali Agha as an example. Agha served as stand-in captain in the opening Test before being dropped from the playing XI and later removed from the squad.

Naqvi conceded that Pakistan could not realistically move from ninth place to the top of international cricket within a few months.

“It was not possible to take a team from number nine to number one in a matter of three or six months,” he said, adding that there was still “a long way to go”.

He urged critics to assess the team’s progress based on facts and cautioned against comments that could further discourage the players.

“These are facts you can check and verify yourselves, if they are wrong, we are responsible,” Naqvi said. “But the way you are demotivating the boys, please stop doing that.”

The PCB chairman also suggested that some of the criticism surrounding Pakistan cricket was driven by opposition to him personally.

“Actually, they just want to drive me out, nothing else,” he said.

Naqvi added that individuals who disagreed with him were free to criticise him directly, but should avoid directing that criticism at the sport itself.

“If someone has resentment towards me, by all means criticise me personally. But don’t target cricket,” he said.

The Pakistan team and Naqvi were welcomed at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday for an audience with King Charles. Pakistan are scheduled to face England in the third and final Test of the series at Edgbaston in Birmingham, beginning September 9.