By Irun Saleem
The decision of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi that each player of the national team would receive $100,000, approximately Rs28 million, if the Green Shirts win the upcoming T20 World Cup, to be jointly held in the US and West Indies from June 1-29, received a lot of flak from almost all quarters.
Naqvi was questioned as why he is bringing money in every thing, even in the Cricket which is already mired by match and spot fixing sagas. “Money, money and money… is something else Naqvi can talk to boost the morale of the Pakistani cricketers,” asked Dr Amir.
According to the cricket board, Naqvi made the remarks as he reached Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where the Babar Azam-led Pakistan squad started the national camp on Saturday.
In a post on social media platform X, the PCB said Naqvi met both players and officials during his visit.
“The PCB chairman stayed with the players for two hours,” the board said, adding that Naqvi also held a detailed discussion with the players on strategy.
According to the PCB, Naqvi announced that each player would be awarded $100,000 for winning the T20 World Cup. Naqvi also said that the prize money held no importance compared to lifting the trophy, expressing the hope that the team would raise the Pakistan flag.
The PCB chief also encourage players to “play without any pressure” and to “compete vigorously”. “The victory will be for you and the defeat will be for me,” he said.
“Don’t care about anyone. Only play for Pakistan. Demonstrate teamwork on the field [and] God willing, victory will be yours,” he said.
This money talk will take the cricket team to where…no body knows. “Don’t inject love for money but love for Pakistan and its pride,” Hasan Raza advised Naqvi. PAK DESTINY
