Pakistan has decided to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India. For the past year, Pakistan's theatrical antics have continued. Initially, it created chaos in the Asia Cup, and when that didn't suffice, it leveraged tensions between India and Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup. At the center of this drama stands the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.
Under Naqvi's tenure, cricket seemed secondary to politics. From the Asia Cup to the T20 World Cup, each major tournament became embroiled in some controversy. Press conferences, social media posts, trophy ceremonies, and even handshakes turned into grand political spectacles.
Viewed separately, incidents might seem trivial. But collectively, a clear pattern emerges.
The significant aspect is that Mohsin Naqvi is not only the PCB Chairman but also Pakistan's Interior Minister. When an individual makes security decisions during the day and cricket decisions by night, the line between sports and politics inevitably blurs.
This blur explains why controversies shadow Pakistan cricket wherever they play.
Naqvi consistently makes decisions and statements that put international cricket in discomfort, with India at the conversation’s center. The reactions from former Pakistani cricketers have been nearly uniform—less questioning, more support. It’s easier to stand united than to oppose the indicated path.
The truth is challenging the current ICC structure is nearly impossible since India and the BCCI are the prime sources of global cricket revenue. Administrators are supposed to mitigate crises, yet Naqvi seems to stoke the flames repeatedly. Consequently, cricket fades into the backdrop, while politics claims the spotlight.
September 15, 2025 – Asia Cup Handshake Controversy
India chose not to shake hands with Pakistan post-match as a tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror strike. Naqvi spotlighted this, accusing the match referee.
Asia Cup Boycott Threat
In response, Pakistan threatened to boycott the Asia Cup. Just before the match began, Naqvi told players to refrain from playing. Hours of theatrics later, Pakistan backtracked.
September 28, 2025 – Asia Cup Final Tension
India won the final, but Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. The ceremony was delayed over an hour.
End of September 2025 – Trophy Ceremony Standoff
The BCCI lodged a formal complaint with the ICC. The ACC meeting saw additional opposition.
December 21, 2025 – Under-19 Asia Cup
After Pakistan's win, Naqvi accused Indian players of provocation.
January 2026 – India-Bangladesh Tensions Begin
KKR released Mustafizur Rahman, prompting Bangladesh to halt IPL broadcasts. Subsequently, Naqvi started provoking Pakistan.
January 12, 2026
Bangladesh demanded ICC relocate its matches out of India, influenced by Pakistan and Naqvi.
January 21, 2026
The ICC dismissed Bangladesh's request. Pakistan was the sole nation supporting it.
January 24, 2026
The ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. Yet, Pakistan continued to criticize the ICC and India.
February 1, 2026
Pakistan was granted permission to play in the T20 World Cup, but barred from facing India on February 15.
* The ICC faces a dilemma. * Broadcasters worry over significant financial losses. * And fans witness cricket sacrificed at the altar of politics.
Cricket has weathered political storms before, but rarely has an administrator turned it into a personal stage. History remembers results, not slogans, and it often happens that villains perceive themselves as heroes. But narratives rarely end where they presume.
