Fact check: Did Jay Shah rush to Mukesh Ambani after Mohsin Naqvi's IND vs PAK boycott?

Jay Shah Mukesh Ambani Mohsin Naqvi for IND vs PAK. Image Credits: X

Rumours around the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match have taken over social media after Pakistan’s decision to boycott the fixture. In the middle of the noise, a fresh claim suggested that a Jay Shah-led ICC delegation rushed to Mumbai for emergency talks over revenue losses. 

This mention did not include just the ICC Chairman Jay Shah but also CEO Sanjog Gupta. Tensions have been rife among ICC, India, and Pakistan ever since the T20 World Cup schedule has been announced. The story spread fast. But the facts tell a very different story.

Fact check: Jay Shah is not in Mumbai as ICC leadership visits Milan

Noman Niaz, a popular Pakistan sports journalist, said on ARY News that ICC Chairman Jay Shah, along with CEO Sanjoy Gupta, travelled to Mumbai to meet Mukesh Ambani after Pakistan’s boycott threat. 

He claimed the meeting focused on revenue losses from a potential India-Pakistan no-show. 

Niaz argued that Mukesh Ambani, whose company, Jio, holds major broadcasting rights for the upcoming tournament, is worried about the potential losses and wants to have Pakistan in the World Cup at any cost.

Azam-K

@MusafirNagri

Dr. Noman Niaz has dropped a big news update.

Feb 3, 2026, 6:20 PM

However, the claim is completely false and utterly baseless. ICC chairman Jay Shah is currently in Milan. He is attending an International Olympic Committee (IOC) session. 

Not only that, but ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta is also present at the same event. There has been no emergency travel to Mumbai, and no meeting with Mukesh Ambani has taken place. 

The ICC has not issued any statement confirming such talks. No credible media outlet has verified the claim. The story appears to be another case of speculation dressed up as “breaking news”.

ICC remains focused on process, not panic

Despite the noise, the ICC has followed its usual process. It has asked the PCB to reconsider its stance. It has also reminded members of tournament obligations. 

Any decision around forfeits, sanctions, or rescheduling will follow legal review. There is no evidence of financial panic either.

The T20 World Cup’s value does not depend on one match alone. India’s games against Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa remain major drivers of viewership. 

Even former players have said the same. The tournament will go on, with or without one fixture.

Pakistan could still be punished despite government orders

That being said, the PCB’s biggest problem is that ICC rules do not recognise political instructions as a valid excuse. 

Pakistan agreed to play the T20 World Cup at a neutral venue. Sri Lanka was chosen after the PCB’s own request. That weakens their legal position.

India, on the other hand, has never stopped playing Pakistan at neutral venues in ICC events. Even after recent political tensions, the men in blue played Pakistan in the Asia Cups and global tournaments. That contrast matters.

Broadcasters also come into play. Jay Shah-led ICC’s four-year media rights deal was signed, with India-Pakistan matches included. Those games drive massive viewership. If one team pulls out, it becomes a contract breach.

That is why legal action is reportedly being discussed. Not just fines, but frozen revenue and possible lawsuits. The PCB may argue government pressure, but under ICC contracts, responsibility still lies with the board. That is the risk Pakistan is likely to now face.