Mohsin Naqvi Could Reverse India Boycott Post Bangladesh Elections | Report

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi may reportedly rethink Pakistan’s boycott of the India match at the T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh elections.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi may still reconsider Pakistan’s firm position on the boycott of India match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh’s general elections look like a possible turning point. Reports from PTI suggest the situation could change after February 12, when a new government is expected to take charge in Dhaka.

The source suggested Naqvi’s approach is driven more by political considerations than cricket. It added that a reversal remains possible, as there will still be two days between the elections and the scheduled India match on February 15.

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“Naqvi, more than a cricket administrator, is a politician, who is not one bit bothered about the welfare of the national team. He is trying to score a brownie point with his and could well flip once elections are held on February 12,” a source tracking Pakistan cricket was quoted as saying to PTI.

“There would still be two days before the India game and things could just change. Else he knows that Pakistan could be ostracised,” the source added.

Pakistan Confirms India Match Boycott

Pakistan confirmed on Sunday that they will boycott their match against India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, despite clearing the team to compete in the rest of the tournament starting February 7. The decision was conveyed through an official government update and is widely viewed as a political response to Bangladesh’s removal from the event.

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Bangladesh had sought a venue shift from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns, which the ICC declined. Following that development, the Pakistan Cricket Board signalled it may rethink participation to express support for Bangladesh. The government later approved Pakistan’s involvement but ruled out the February 15 fixture against India in Colombo.

ICC May Impose Penalties

The tournament is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. If Pakistan boycotts, India will receive two points through a walkover, while the ICC may still impose a fine on the PCB.

Pakistan open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7. They face the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18. All matches take place at the SSC ground in Colombo.