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Pakistan Cricket Crisis: Will Mohsin Naqvi’s stubbornness prove costly? ICC strict on boycotting the match against India
Samira Vishwas | February 3, 2026 7:24 AM CST

News India Live, Digital Desk: Pakistan cricket is currently facing a ‘double whammy’. On one hand, the team’s performance on the field is declining, while on the other hand, Mohsin Naqvi’s decisions at the administrative level have created a risk of isolating the team at the global level. The decision of not playing the match (February 15) against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 can prove to be ‘suicidal’ for Pakistan. What is the whole controversy? (The Core Issue)Pakistan government has officially announced that their team will go to Sri Lanka for the World Cup, but will not take the field in the match against India on 15 February 2026. * Naqvi’s stance: Mohsin Naqvi, who is the Home Minister as well as the PCB Chief, is seeing it as a “political answer”. This step is believed to be taken in protest against India’s decision not to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Bitterness of Asia Cup: Tension was also seen between Naqvi and Team India during Asia Cup 2025, where the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. ICC’s warning: What may Pakistan have to suffer? The International Cricket Council (ICC) has criticized this ‘selective boycott’ of Pakistan. Expressed strong displeasure over (Selective Boycott). According to experts, if Pakistan remains adamant, it may suffer the following losses: Deduction of points: If Pakistan does not play the match against India, it will have to lose 2 important points, which will make the path to the semi-finals difficult. Financial penalty and ban: ICC can cut Pakistan’s annual fund (Revenue Share) or suspend Pakistan from future big tournaments. Crisis on PSL: Other reasons for giving NOC to foreign players to play in Pakistan Super League (PSL) Boards can impose restrictions. Loss of WTC points: Pakistan’s World Test Championship (WTC) points can also be deducted. ‘Political flex’ vs ‘Loss of cricket’ News18’s report argues that Mohsin Naqvi is using cricket as a pawn to shine his political image. Loss of revenue: Broadcasters may suffer a loss of about $ 40 million due to non-performance of the India-Pakistan match, the pressure of which will ultimately fall on the PCB. Mood: Amidst this uncertainty, Pakistani players are under mental pressure. Former players believe that politics should be kept separate from sports.


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