PCB Chairman Naqvi slams ‘Long queues at petrol pumps in India’ comments

New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been heavily criticized online for claiming that India is short of fuel while Pakistan itself is grappling with a worsening energy crisis. His comments come as the PSL 2026 matches are being held without spectators due to security concerns arising from fuel shortages and tensions in the Middle East.Fuel prices in Pakistan have increased significantly, by more than 40%, and electricity costs are also increasing. These challenges have impacted daily life and sporting events, including the Pakistan Super League.

Naqvi made the remarks while speaking to the media about whether fans would be allowed to return to stadiums. He defended his case citing the global situation and said: “Today I had discussions with PSL team owners and PSL teams. Even Karachi (Kings) has made a request, so I will meet the Prime Minister and ask him again what might happen, but we need to understand the situation in the world, which is the oil crisis.”He further added, “We have been working hard to achieve peace. We want peace as soon as possible. The Prime Minister is also working for this. We have different positions. There is an oil crisis in India and there are long queues at petrol stations in India.”

Pakistani public reacts to Mohsin Naqvi’s claims

His comments quickly sparked a backlash, with many questioning their accuracy. In contrast, fuel prices in India have remained stable and there have been no widespread shortages.Social media users on both sides of the border reacted strongly. One of them wrote, “Mossin Naqvi canceled the PSL spectators citing Pakistan’s fuel crisis and then claimed that India had a long cheering squad while Pakistan did not. The PCB president went against his own tournament policy at the same time. This is not strategy but chaos masquerading as leadership.”