Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan did not seek any personal advantage during the brief boycott controversy surrounding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His remarks came shortly before Pakistan officially confirmed it would play the much-anticipated match against India on February 15 in Colombo.
Naqvi maintained that the PCB’s initial refusal to take the field was driven by solidarity with Bangladesh, not by an attempt to extract concessions. According to him, Pakistan’s position was purely a matter of principle and support for a fellow cricketing nation.
Background to the Boycott Standoff
The controversy began after Bangladesh were removed from the tournament schedule when they declined to play matches in India, citing security concerns. Pakistan responded by announcing it would not play India, arguing that the situation exposed inconsistencies in how global cricket governance handled such issues.
This stance, however, quickly placed the ICC in a difficult position given the sporting and commercial importance of an India–Pakistan fixture at a World Cup. As a result, behind-the-scenes discussions intensified, involving the ICC, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and the Pakistan government.
Reports of Additional PCB Requests
While Naqvi publicly insisted Pakistan had not asked for anything in return, reports earlier in the day suggested otherwise. According to multiple media sources, the PCB raised broader issues during meetings with ICC officials, including the revival of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan.
There were also suggestions of a proposed tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These ideas were reportedly turned down, with the ICC making it clear that such arrangements fall outside its mandate.
Asia Cup Trophy Issue Also Raised
It has also been reported that Naqvi brought up a separate diplomatic episode linked to the Asia Cup. The matter dates back to a previous tournament when India declined to receive the trophy from him, citing his concurrent role as Pakistan’s interior minister amid strained political relations. Naqvi is believed to have questioned whether a similar reaction from Pakistan would have drawn stronger intervention from the ICC.
Bangladesh Resolution and Final Clearance
The ICC later confirmed that Bangladesh would face no penalties for their withdrawal and awarded them additional hosting opportunities in a future cycle. Following this resolution, Bangladesh formally thanked Pakistan for its backing and requested that the PCB proceed with the scheduled World Cup match.
Soon after, the Pakistan government announced that it had directed the national team to participate, citing appeals from friendly nations and the importance of upholding the spirit of international cricket.
Focus Shifts Back to the Tournament
With the dispute now resolved, attention turns back to the cricket itself. The February 15 clash between India and Pakistan is set to go ahead as planned, restoring one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures and drawing a line under a tense episode that blended sport, diplomacy, and governance.
