Mohsin Naqvi and Jay Shah [Source: X]After much debate surrounding the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash, there are now reports suggesting that the Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board might stage a U-turn just days before the marquee match. Significantly, the PCB might reconsider its decision to boycott the group-stage match scheduled for February 15. This development comes amid a stormy chain of events that shook the global ICC event after Bangladesh decided to exit the tournament, citing player safety concerns. The BCB, ICC and PCB fiasco Following Bangladesh’s withdrawal, the Pakistan Cricket Board also showed solidarity with the nation to protest what it termed as injustice by the International Cricket Council. However, Pakistan opted for selective participation and later declared via its official social media account that, as per the Pakistan government’s decision, the team would not take the field against India in the February 15 clash in Colombo. Following this announcement, the ICC released an official statement stating that selective participation would not be encouraged or allowed, and warned that such a move could lead to heavy sanctions and serious implications for Pakistan as a cricket-playing nation. As of now, there have been no official developments regarding a change in Pakistan’s stance. However, a recent PTI report quoting a PCB source claims otherwise. Pakistan to change stance after Bangladesh elections According to a PTI source, the PCB source revealed that there is a possibility of Pakistan changing its stance after the Bangladesh general elections, which are scheduled to take place on February 12. The source suggested that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi’s position could shift after the elections conclude, as he is perceived to be more of a politician than a cricket administrator. Naqvi may continue to play the sympathy card with the Bangladesh government until the elections are over, and then change the PCB’s stance to avoid potential ICC sanctions. The source also pointed out that there would still be two days left after the Bangladesh elections before India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other, leaving room for Pakistan to ultimately decide to play the match. “Mohsin Naqvi, more than a cricket administrator, is a politician who appears unconcerned about the welfare of the national team. He is attempting to score brownie points and build goodwill, with the expectation of reversing his stance once the elections are held on February 12. With two days still remaining before the India match, the situation could change quickly. Otherwise, he is aware that Pakistan risks being ostracised,” the source told PTI. Before facing India, Pakistan are scheduled to begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7. They will also play against the United States and Namibia, with all their matches set to be held at Colombo’s SSC ground. How will Mohsin Naqvi benefit from the Bangladesh elections? The question, however, remains about what Mohsin Naqvi stands to gain by changing his stance later. Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, may use the Bangladesh general elections on February 12 as a strategic exit point from the PCB’s threatened boycott of the India-Pakistan clash. If Naqvi’s initial decision to boycott was politically motivated in solidarity with Bangladesh, a post-election shift could be presented as a response to changing regional circumstances. This would allow him to avoid potential ICC sanctions as well as significant financial losses.
