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Piers Morgan wife Celia Walden sleep remark resurfaces again as HSTikkyTokky interview turns personal on air
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Piers Morgan wife Celia Walden sleep remark resurfaces again as HSTikkyTokky interview turns personal on air


Piers Morgan wife Celia Walden sleep remark resurfaces again as HSTikkyTokky interview turns personal on air (Image via Getty)

Piers Morgan found himself in the middle of a messy live TV moment that quickly spread across the internet. What started as a normal interview turned into a heated argument, and within minutes, he walked off his own show. The guest, online influencer Harrison Sullivan, kept pushing back on every question. As the exchange got sharper, a personal comment about Morgan’s wife, Celia Walden, changed the mood completely. Soon after the clip went viral, an old interview of Walden also started trending again, where she had jokingly asked TV bosses to give her husband work so he would not stay home watching her sleep. The timing made the moment even more talked about online.

Piers Morgan and Harrison Sullivan heated interview turns personal as Celia Walden’s past quote resurfaces after viral pool photo dig

The situation began when Harrison Sullivan appeared to talk about his role in a Louis Theroux documentary. During the discussion, some of his views sparked strong reactions. Piers Morgan directly called out one of Sullivan’s statements about parenting, saying it was “as homophobic as you can get.” Sullivan did not back down and replied, “I’d call it good parenting.”

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‘Spineless Man’: Piers Morgan Slammed By HSTikkyTokky After Fiery TV Show Clash

The conversation quickly turned into a back-and-forth of sharp words. Piers Morgan openly said, “I watched the documentary, and I think you’re a f**king idiot.” He also called the influencer “s*xist, misogynist, homophobic.” Still, Sullivan stayed calm and replied that Morgan looked like an idiot every day.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.Things escalated when Sullivan brought up a photo of his wife Celia Walden from 2022. In that picture, she was sitting by a pool holding a sign that read, “Wanted: Pool Boy no experience needed.” At the time, Piers Morgan had even joked about it publicly. But during the live show, Sullivan pointed at the image and said, “That’s your girl.”That moment clearly crossed a line. Piers Morgan paused and then said, “You know what? I’m not doing this. Sorry, guys, it’s pointless,” before leaving the interview.As the clip spread, people also dug up Celia Walden’s old interview with The Sun from September 2, 2021. She had said, “Being married to Piers is basically one very long eye roll. But what people don’t realise about Piers is that he’s usually very quiet at home because he’s exhausted himself on whatever interview he’s been doing.”She added, “Unfortunately he’s got all his energy back now. Please, someone, just give him a job so he doesn’t watch me sleep.”The couple’s story has always been lively. Celia Walden once shared how Piers Morgan spent months trying to impress her in unusual ways, including sending strange gifts and surprising her at meetings. Even their first date had drama, as he reportedly crashed his car while looking at her. This latest moment only adds another chapter to their very public life.



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Lockie Ferguson, Tom Latham sizzle in New Zealand’s commanding win over South Africa in 3rd T20I
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Lockie Ferguson, Tom Latham sizzle in New Zealand’s commanding win over South Africa in 3rd T20I



New Zealand delivered a composed all-round performance to defeat South Africa by eight wickets in the third T20I of the South Africa tour of New Zealand 2026 at Eden Park. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the hosts executed their plans with precision before chasing down a modest target with ease, sealing the contest with 22 balls to spare.

New Zealand bowlers restrict South Africa to below-par total

South Africa struggled to build momentum throughout their innings, eventually finishing at 136/9 in 20 overs. The innings never quite took off as wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any substantial partnerships from developing.

Tony de Zorzi and Connor Esterhuizen got starts but failed to convert them into impactful contributions. Esterhuizen looked promising during his brief stay, scoring 15 off just 8 balls, while Jason Smith also added a quick 10. However, the middle order faltered under pressure, with Rubin Hermann and Dian Forrester unable to stabilize the innings.

George Linde (23 off 19) and Gerald Coetzee (16 off 8) provided some late impetus, while Nqobani Mokoena’s 26 off 20 balls helped push the total past 130. Despite these efforts, South Africa’s total remained underwhelming on a good batting surface.

New Zealand’s bowling attack was disciplined and effective. Mitchell Santner and Ben Sears led the charge with two wickets each, while Lockie Ferguson stood out with an economical spell, conceding just 9 runs in his four overs. Contributions from Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, and Cole McConchie ensured constant pressure on the visitors.

Also READ: Devon Conway, bowlers propel New Zealand to a thumping win over South Africa in 2nd T20I

Tom Latham anchors comfortable chase for Black Caps

Chasing 137, New Zealand got off to a steady start with Devon Conway and Tom Latham laying a solid foundation. Conway played the aggressor early on, scoring a brisk 39 off 26 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.

After Conway’s dismissal, Latham took control of the innings with a calm and composed knock. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 63 off 55 balls, guiding the chase with maturity and ensuring there were no late hiccups.

Tim Robinson contributed a handy 17, while Nick Kelly finished things off as New Zealand reached 137/2 in just 16.2 overs, showcasing their dominance. South Africa’s bowling unit struggled to apply pressure on the New Zealand batters. Lutho Sipamla and Keshav Maharaj managed to pick up a wicket each, but the lack of breakthroughs hurt their chances.

Also READ: NZ vs SA T20I Series: Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming details





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Core sector output slows to 2.3% in February; crude, gas and refinery drag weighs on momentum
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Core sector output slows to 2.3% in February; crude, gas and refinery drag weighs on momentum


Core sector output slows to 2.3% in February; crude, gas and refinery drag weighs on momentum

Growth in India’s eight core infrastructure industries eased to 2.3 per cent in February, down from 3.4 per cent in the same month last year, reflecting weakness in energy-linked segments even as output expanded in several manufacturing-oriented sectors.According to official data, production of crude oil, natural gas and petroleum refinery products declined during the month, moderating the overall expansion in the core sector basket. The eight industries together account for 40.27 per cent of the weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) rose 2.3 per cent (provisional) year-on-year in February 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a release, noting that cement, steel, fertilisers, coal and electricity recorded positive growth during the month.During April–February of FY26, cumulative growth in core infrastructure output stood at 2.9 per cent, compared with 4.4 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous financial year, indicating a broader slowdown in momentum.“The final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for January 2026 was observed at 4.7 per cent. The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to February, 2025-26 is 2.9 per cent (provisional) as compared to the corresponding period of last year,” the release said.Coal production — carrying a 10.33 per cent weight — increased 2.3 per cent in February over the same month last year. However, its cumulative index remained unchanged at 185.8 during April–February FY26.Crude oil output (8.98 per cent weight) declined 5.2 per cent year-on-year in February, while the cumulative index contracted 2.5 per cent over the April–February period.Similarly, natural gas production (6.88 per cent weight) fell 5.0 per cent during the month, with its cumulative index slipping 3.5 per cent compared with the year-ago period.Production of petroleum refinery products (28.04 per cent weight) declined 1.0 per cent in February and remained marginally lower — by 0.1 per cent cumulatively — during the first eleven months of the fiscal.Among the growth drivers, fertiliser output (2.63 per cent weight) rose 3.4 per cent year-on-year in February and recorded 2.0 per cent cumulative growth during April–February.Steel production — with a 17.92 per cent weight — posted a strong 7.2 per cent increase in February, while cumulative growth stood at 9.7 per cent.Cement output (5.37 per cent weight) expanded 9.3 per cent during the month and recorded 9.2 per cent growth cumulatively over the fiscal period under review.Electricity generation (19.85 per cent weight) increased 0.5 per cent year-on-year in February and registered 0.9 per cent cumulative growth during April–February.The data indicates that while construction-linked and industrial segments continue to lend support, the contraction in energy-related sectors remains a key drag on overall core infrastructure output.(With inputs from Agencies)



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AIIMS-Delhi to study link between lung cancer and air pollution | India News
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AIIMS-Delhi to study link between lung cancer and air pollution | India News


AIIMS-Delhi to study link between lung cancer and air pollution

The AIIMS-Delhi is studying links between exposure to air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter 2.5, and the risk of developing lung cancer. The AIRCARE study, which the institution claimed is the first of its kind, is being led by Dr Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology, AIIMS. Dr Shankar said that as air pollution continues to be an increasingly significant public health concern, there is a need for research to inform policy and disease management. He said India is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world, and there is an urgent need to scientifically look at the effects of pollution on people’s health. “Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among males in India, and there is a high number of non-smoking lung cancers among females and young adults,” Dr Shankar stated. Air pollution has emerged as a contributing factor to lung cancer, but more evidence is needed on this issue from India, he said. “It is deeply concerning that lung cancer, once assumed to be a disease mostly associated with people who smoke tobacco, is now seeing a rapid increase in incidence amongst people who do not smoke,” Dr Shankar said. The AIRCARE study will study 1,615 lung cancer cases with 1,615 controls from family members across the Delhi-NCR. The study is a complex undertaking involving both clinical and non-clinical components, Dr Shankar said. One aspect of the study will be to employ both a cohort and case-control design to track the effects of chronic PM 2.5 exposure on lung cancer across demographics and socio-economic groups, he said. Another aspect of the study is to search for a unique genetic signature in the Indian population being exposed to air pollution. Simply put, the study will attempt to isolate an Indian population-specific genetic imprint to see whether a particular early genetic event in response to air pollution exposure develops into lung cancer later in life, Dr Shankar said. With the data, the researchers will develop a risk-based screening model based on both clinical and molecular components specific to the Indian population and exposure levels. It will also identify the susceptible population among the cohort who are more at risk of developing lung cancer, he said. “Lung cancer continues to be the second most frequent cancer in males in India and the fourth most common type for both sexes. There is an urgent need to implement policy and management strategies to tackle this disease and mitigate further loss of life,” Dr Shankar said.



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Candidates: French GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave doubts R Praggnanandhaa’s chances | Chess News
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Candidates: French GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave doubts R Praggnanandhaa’s chances | Chess News


Candidates: French GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave doubts R Praggnanandhaa's chances
R Praggnanandhaa (PTI Photo)

French Grandmaster (GM) Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has ranked India’s R Praggnanandhaa in the third tier (B tier) for the upcoming Candidates tournament, calling it a bit of a “hot take”.While he made it clear that all eight players have a chance to win, he based his ranking mainly on current form rather than pure skill.Explaining his decision, Vachier-Lagrave, as quoted by The Indian Express, said, “It’s harsh because you know that skill-wise, if we were in the first six or eight months of 2025 right now, Pragg would have been at S tier.”

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Abhimanyu Puranik Exclusive: Chess Journey, Helping Divya Deshmukh in World Cup, Grand Swiss, & More

He acknowledged that Praggnanandhaa had a strong 2025 but pointed out a dip in performance in recent tournaments. According to him, results at events like the Grand Swiss, World Cup, and Wijk aan Zee showed a struggle in maintaining top form.He added, “I’m really not convinced from his Wijk performance. And Wijk can do some damage also.” Because the Candidates tournament is close, he believes there may not be enough time for a full comeback in form. “If I have the guarantee that he will manage to find the key to break that spiral, I would put him at S tier. But now I’m going to put him in the B tier. That’s how important I think current form is.”Vachier-Lagrave also highlighted that form dips can be hard to recover from, especially for a young player. “It’s a hot take but it’s been 6 months and his form has really not been great.” He further explained, “From my own experience and experience of other players—it’s not about just one bad Wijk now. It’s about six months of tournaments that were far from his best and to detach yourself from six months of so-so results is not easy.”

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IPL 2026: Amid KKR injury crisis, mentor Dwayne Bravo picks in-house solutions | Cricket News
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IPL 2026: Amid KKR injury crisis, mentor Dwayne Bravo picks in-house solutions | Cricket News


IPL 2026: Amid KKR injury crisis, mentor Dwayne Bravo picks in-house solutions

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been dealt a significant setback ahead of IPL 2026, with key pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Harshit Rana struggling with injuries.Head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed during the team’s pre-season press conference that Pathirana will miss the early phase of the tournament due to a calf strain and is expected to return only around mid-April. Rana’s injury has further complicated KKR’s pace-bowling plans, with the team still evaluating replacements.

Bravo backs India’s fast-bowling depth

Despite the setbacks, KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo struck an optimistic tone, highlighting India’s growing pool of fast bowlers.“In any tournament with any team, once you lose some of the key bowling options, these are things you plan for, but also things you have to accept. The good thing about Indian cricket, especially at the moment, is that there is a lot of depth,” Bravo Said“So there are some guys, as the coach mentioned, that we are definitely looking at to fill the spot – the likes of Umran Malik. These guys are also players who have represented the national team at some point in time and have also played in the IPL before. They are young, exciting talents. So, for me personally, I’m happy to work with this group of fast bowlers,” he added.Strong spin attack offers balanceWhile the pace attack faces challenges, Bravo expressed strong confidence in KKR’s spin department, led by Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.“We have the best spin attack in the entire competition, so from a bowling point of view, I think we will be fine. Also, I can’t forget Vaibhav – what a fantastic season last year. He’s been the leader of the attack over the last two seasons as well. So, yes, we’ve lost some key players, but I feel comfortable [knowing that] we have what it takes to replace those guys,” Bravo stated confidence.KKR also have additional pace options in Akash Deep and Kartik Tyagi, giving them flexibility despite the injuries.

KKR’s early IPL 2026 schedule

KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium.Their upcoming fixtures include:vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – April 2 (Eden Gardens)vs Punjab Kings – April 6 (Eden Gardens)vs Lucknow Super Giants – April 9 (Eden Gardens)

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Govt clears Rs 20,000 crore credit guarantee scheme for MFIs; funding access in focus
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Govt clears Rs 20,000 crore credit guarantee scheme for MFIs; funding access in focus


Govt clears Rs 20,000 crore credit guarantee scheme for MFIs; funding access in focus

The government has approved a limited-period Rs 20,000-crore credit guarantee scheme aimed at easing fund flow constraints faced by microfinance institutions (MFIs), according to a PTI report.The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) will cover loans disbursed by member lending institutions (MLIs), including banks and other lenders, to non-banking finance company-MFIs and MFIs till the end of June, government-run National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) said in a circular.MFIs, which largely cater to borrowers at the bottom of the economic pyramid, have been facing challenging conditions due to a rise in non-performing assets (NPAs), making lenders cautious about extending fresh exposure.According to the circular, MLIs will extend funding to MFIs or NBFC-MFIs based on their internal assessment for onward lending to eligible small borrowers. Certain conditions have also been prescribed on lending rates.To qualify for benefits under the scheme, the interest rate on loans sanctioned by MLIs to NBFC-MFIs/MFIs will be capped at the External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR) or the one-year marginal cost of funds-based lending rate plus two per cent.In addition, MFIs will have to lend to small borrowers at a cost at least one per cent below the average lending rate charged during the previous six months.The scheme also stipulates a maximum loan tenure of three years, including a one-year moratorium followed by a two-year repayment period. Further, MLIs are required to ensure that at least five per cent of the total loan amount under the scheme is sanctioned to small MFIs with assets under management (AUM) of less than Rs 500 crore, while 10 per cent should be allocated to mid-sized institutions with AUM between Rs 500 crore and Rs 2,000 crore.“The maximum amount of loan which can be sanctioned by MLIs to NBFC- MFIs/MFIs shall be capped at 20 per cent of AUM of respective NBFC-MFI/MFI subject to a maximum of Rs 100 crore to small size, Rs 200 crore to medium size and Rs 300 crore to large size NBFC-MFIs/MFIs,” the circular said.Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN), the industry’s self-regulatory body, welcomed the measure, calling it a timely intervention that could help improve liquidity conditions.“The sector has demonstrated strong improvement in credit quality and adherence to responsible lending practices. The key constraint has been the availability of bank funding,” MFIN chief executive and director Alok Misra said.



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Airlines vs govt: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet oppose Centre’s 60 % free seat selection rule, warn of fare hike
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Airlines vs govt: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet oppose Centre’s 60 % free seat selection rule, warn of fare hike


Airlines vs govt: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet oppose Centre's 60 % free seat selection rule, warn of fare hike

IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet have opposed the government’s directive barring airlines from charging for the selection of at least 60 per cent of seats, cautioning that the move may push up airfares.The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), representing the carriers, has called on the civil aviation ministry to reconsider the decision. In a letter to civil aviation secretary Samir Kumar Sinha on Thursday, the body said the directive could have unintended and adverse implications for the aviation sector.“The financial impact of the directive on airlines will be significant, compelling airlines to recover the lost revenues through increases in fares. As a result, all passengers, including those who may not wish to preselect seats, will end up paying higher fares,” the letter said. The FIA said seat selection charges are a legitimate source of revenue for airlines, especially in a high-cost operating environment.It noted that costs continue to rise annually under the regulator Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) framework, which allows airports full cost recovery along with an assured margin.“Airlines operate on thin margins and rely on ancillary revenues to offset rising operational costs, including fuel, maintenance, airport charges, etc. Imposing a uniform restriction on ancillary revenue undermines commercial flexibility and interferes with market-driven pricing mechanisms,” FIA said, as cited by PTI.FIA also said that although free seat selection may seem advantageous to passengers, the broader impact could be adverse, with higher fares likely to limit affordability and reduce consumer choice.It said the decision could run counter to the goal of passenger welfare by converting optional, user-paid charges into a uniform fare increase for all travellers, disproportionately affecting price-sensitive passengers.The industry body also flagged the absence of stakeholder consultations, stating that the decision was introduced without prior engagement with the sector.“If applied, this measure will set a precedent for excessive intervention in ancillary pricing with heavy loss of revenues for the airlines, apart from creating uncertainty for airlines regarding future regulatory constraints,” FIA said, urging that the mandate issued to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) be withdrawn.On Wednesday, the ministry said it had directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure that airlines offer at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight free of charge for selection, with the aim of providing fair access to passengers.The move comes amid growing concerns over airlines levying high fees for add-on services, including seat selection. Typically, carriers charge between Rs 200 and Rs 2,100 for selecting seats, depending on factors such as row position and additional legroom.Meanwhile, PTI sources said airlines have highlighted multiple operational pressures to the ministry, including a surge in jet fuel prices linked to the West Asia conflict.The situation has had a significant impact on flight operations to and from the region.



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IPL 2026: Complete list of injured and unavailable players | Cricket News
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IPL 2026: Complete list of injured and unavailable players | Cricket News


Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Harshit Rana (Agency Image)

IPL 2026 is set to begin under a cloud of injury concerns, with several key players either ruled out completely or unavailable for a significant part of the tournament. Teams are already being forced to rethink combinations even before the first ball is bowled.Here is a look at the full list of injured or unavailable players ahead of the season:Harshit Rana (Kolkata Knight Riders)The young Indian pacer will miss the entire season after suffering an injury during India’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4. His absence leaves a gap in KKR’s pace attack.Nathan Ellis (Chennai Super Kings)Ellis has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury, a setback confirmed by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan on March 19. He was expected to play a key role for the franchise this season, especially in the death bowling department.Sam Curran (Rajasthan Royals)The England all-rounder, who joined Rajasthan Royals in a trade deal with CSK last year along with Ravindra Jadeja in exchange for Sanju Samson, will miss the entire season due to a groin injury.Jack Edwards (Sunrisers Hyderabad)Edwards, a new recruit who was picked up for Rs 3 crore in the 2026 auction, will not feature at all this season due to a foot injury, denying him his IPL debut.Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)Cummins will miss the initial matches as he continues to recover from the injury that also ruled him out of the T20 World Cup 2026. In his absence, Ishan Kishan will lead the side, with Abhishek Sharma serving as vice-captain.Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)A crucial part of RCB’s title-winning campaign last year, Hazlewood is still recovering from an injury that has kept him out for four months. He will miss the initial phase of IPL 2026.

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IPL 2026 should be audition for the next India T20I captain

Lockie Ferguson (Punjab Kings)New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the early stages of IPL 2026 for Punjab Kings. Ferguson, a new father, will prioritise spending time with his family before potentially linking up with PBKS for the latter half of the tournament.Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals)Mitchell Starc is set to miss the start of IPL 2026, with Cricket Australia taking a cautious approach in managing the left-arm quick ahead of a demanding international schedule. Starc is among Australia’s senior pacers being held back for the early part of the tournament, with his availability dependent on progress in return-to-play protocols over the coming weeks.Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders)Matthew Short (Chennai Super Kings)After Nathan Ellis, another jolt for the Chennai Super Kings, as the Australian all-rounder will miss the initial games due to a fractured thumb.Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad)Eshan Malinga is doubtful for the whole season after a shoulder injury.Atharva Ankolekar (Mumbai Indians)Atharva has been ruled out of the whole season due to a knee injury.

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Which player's absence do you think will have the biggest impact on their team in IPL 2026?

The IPL 2026 season begins on March 28, with the opening match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

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Ahmed Shehzad blasts Mohsin Naqvi and PCB over Pakistan’s poor 2026 campaign
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Ahmed Shehzad blasts Mohsin Naqvi and PCB over Pakistan’s poor 2026 campaign



The fallout from Pakistan’s disastrous 2026 T20 World Cup campaign has reached a boiling point, with veteran opening batter Ahmed Shehzad launching a blistering critique of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the board’s current leadership. Following Pakistan’s inability to reach the semi-finals for the second consecutive tournament and a historic 1-2 series loss to Bangladesh, Shehzad argues that the national team has become a playground for a select clique of underperforming stars.

Pakistan’s recent slump reached a new nadir in Dhaka, where Bangladesh secured their first home series win against the visitors in 11 years. The tour highlighted systemic failures: a batting collapse for 114 in the opening ODI and a botched 291-run chase in the decider. For Shehzad, these aren’t just technical errors; they are the symptoms of a toxic star culture nurtured by the PCB at the expense of national pride.

Ahmed Shehzad takes aim at Mohsin Naqvi and PCB after Pakistan team’s slump

Shehzad’s primary grievance lies in the disproportionate power handed to a small group of players. He contends that the PCB has marketed certain individuals as global brands through the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the last seven years, despite their failure to deliver on the international stage. According to Shehzad, these 6-8 boys and their agents have essentially hijacked the team’s selection and strategy.

“You provided all the sponsorships to those boys, endorsed them, and invested money in them. You gave them captaincies in the PSL, right? You made them the thumb of the Pakistan team. You handed over the entire Pakistan cricket team to those 6 boys and their agents. And what have they done now? The fire they have lit in the jungle, the fun and parties they have had, the pockets they have filled, the enjoyment they have had they haven’t given Pakistan any wins by doing so,” Shehzad remarked, pointing to the heavy financial investment and sponsorships poured into these specific athletes.

He accused this core group of prioritizing personal gain and “parties in the jungle” over trophies. The critique specifically stings as high-profile names like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan continue to struggle with consistency, leading to questions about whether the board is too fearful of its superstars to demand accountability.

Also READ: Pakistan not safe? PCB reacts to Australian players’ security and travel concerns ahead of PSL 2026

Shehzad calls out the failure of the Naqvi regime

The most damning part of Shehzad’s outburst focused on the perceived impotence of Naqvi’s administration. He described the current PCB as the weakest he has seen in his lifetime, alleging that the board kneels before players instead of enforcing discipline or introducing fresh talent. This lack of institutional backbone, he argues, has allowed a culture of ego and blame games to flourish within the dressing room.

Despite the mounting losses, Shehzad notes that none of the senior players have taken responsibility, opting instead to spin narratives through media cycles.

“Whenever you talk about any player, they start spinning stories. I have never seen the Pakistan Cricket Board this weak in my life, as weak as this PCB is. They have power, right? But in their decision-making, they appear to be kneeling before their players. This PCB can’t do anything. The work they were supposed to do — bringing in new faces — they didn’t. What they do is, after every event, they try to pull a new trick, but the public has now caught their pattern,” he added, suggesting that the PCB’s habit of pulling new tricks after every tournament failure no longer fools the fans. By failing to integrate new faces and breaking the monopoly of the current core, the board has left Pakistan cricket in a state of stagnation.

As Pakistan prepare for a grueling three-Test series against England starting August 19, the pressure on Mohsin Naqvi to implement major surgery,  a term he himself coined earlier has never been higher.

Also READ: Pakistani pacer Asad Akhtar makes headlines after delivering giant no-ball in National T20 Cup 2026 match



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