Mohsin Naqvi's PCB takes U-turn as Pakistan set to play vs India in T20 World Cup

Pakistan set to play vs India [Source: X]

In the latest development, the India vs Pakistan match is back on track as PCB has reportedly taken a U-turn and the Men in Green will collide against India on February 15 in Colombo. The Pakistan government had earlier decided to boycott the India clash, but it seems the pressure of getting penalised took a toll on PCB.

On Sunday, the ICC officials visited Pakistan as BCB board members were also present alongside PCB representatives. The three boards had an intense discussion as the governing body (ICC) urged Pakistan to reverse their decision, or else face the consequences.

Pakistan government has released an official statement, stating that the team will take on India in the much-anticipated clash in the T20 World Cup group stage.

PCB drama finally ends as IND-PAK game on!

For weeks, PCB gave a false hope that the Pakistan team would boycott the game against India on February 15, and the government of Pakistan even released a statement saying that the national team will participate in the World Cup, but they would not play against India.

Pakistan sided with Bangladesh and even threatened the ICC to include the Tigers in the World Cup, or the Men in Green won’t take part in the marquee event. Cricket’s governing body (ICC), even asked PCB to formally explain their actions, but the Mohsin Naqvi-led board decided to ignore them as well.

However, the ICC pressured Pakistan by clearly indicating the consequences the nation could suffer if they don’t reverse its decision.

BCB convinces Pakistan to play against India

The BCB President had a long meeting with PCB and ICC, where he put forward Bangladesh’s concerns. The meeting was tasked to listen to Bangladesh’s viewpoints about the ongoing India-Pakistan saga, and in a press release, the President thanked ICC, and urged Pakistan to go ahead with their T20 World Cup match vs India.

"We are deeply moved by Pakistan's efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish.

He further added: "Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday, and given the forthcoming outcome of the discussion, I request Pakistan to play the T20 World Cup game against India for the benefit of the entire cricketing ecosystem."

How the Pakistan-India saga started - a timeline

Pakistan had a grudge against India ever since the Men in Green avoided shaking hands with them during the Asia Cup 2025. This was due to the Pahalgam terror attack that took place in April 2025, and the Men in Green decided to showcase solidarity with their nation.

India and Pakistan played three games against each other in the Asia Cup, and India ignored the Men in Green on all three occasions, which infuriated Mohsin Naqvi. Things escalated when IPL franchise removed Mustafizur Rahman, and a furious Bangladesh decided to boycott the T20 World Cup event.

Bangladesh was eventually replaced by Scotland, and PCB Chief Naqvi wrote a letter to the ICC, stating how the governing body is doing injustice to the Tigers. This is when PCB approached their government, and a final call was taken to boycott the India clash, a decision which was eventually reversed.