Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has asked the national cricket team to improve its fielding and “fight till the last ball” after the side’s lacklustre performance in the first match of the three T20I series against Ireland.

“No one is accepting the defeat against Ireland in the first T20 match of three-match series,” he told the squad during a meeting with them in Dublin, Ireland.

Naqvi was accompanied by Wahab Riaz, one of the members of the selection committee.

On Friday, Ireland registered their first win in men’s T20Is over Pakistan in the first clash of the three-match series.

Former Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie’s impressive 77 at the top of the order paved the way for the hosts to clinch a memorable win. Many viewers believed that the insipid fielding effort from tourists made the difference.

Naqvi had a detailed two-hour meeting with the national side. Prior to the T20 World Cup, Pakistan would play a series against Ireland and England.

The PCB chairman advised the national players to play with a “professional approach and passion”. He reminded the players that the shortest format of the game was different and required an aggressive approach.

“Real test is on the field and victory can be achieved by playing T20 cricket with a modern approach,” he said. While he praised the players’ capabilities and professionalism, he called for focusing on the fielding department.

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He expressed his belief in the players’ potential and their ability to meet the nation’s expectations. Naqvi emphasised the importance of teamwork, stating that a “united effort from the eleven players will lead Pakistan to success.”

The PCB chief concluded the meeting by urging the players to fight till the last ball and exhibit a competitive spirit. He mentioned that after matches against Ireland and England, the real test awaits in the upcoming World Cup.