Mohsin Naqvi motivates Pakistani players before they take on India:PCB chief to meet Jay Shah today, BCB officials to ‘break ice’ with BCCI

Ahead of the much-awaited India vs Pakistan clash, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Colombo and met the Pakistan team before their big match at the R. Premadasa Stadium this evening. He interacted with the players, greeted each one personally, and wished them the very best for the high-profile encounter. Naqvi’s visit comes at an important time, with the spotlight firmly on this blockbuster fixture. During the match, he is also expected to meet Jay Shah at the venue, adding further attention to the off-field developments surrounding the tournament. Earlier reports suggest that the PCB, along with the BCB and representatives from other ACC nations, are planning to “break the ice” over the recent tensions involving the ICC, PCB, and BCB. The aim is to move towards a more positive and friendly discussion with the BCCI and ease the strained relations. Mohsin Naqvi meets Team Pakistan, expected to meet Jay Shah Before the IND-PAK encounter in Colombo this evening, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Sri Lanka and met the Pakistan team before the big game. After interacting with the Men in Green, he warmly greeted and hugged the players, wishing them good luck for their match against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Naqvi is also expected to meet ICC Chairman Jay Shah later in the evening. According to earlier reports, representatives from five nations, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with their ACC officials, are planning to “break the ice” with the ICC over the recent tensions involving the ICC, PCB and BCB. They are also likely to work towards building more friendly relations with the BCCI. Also read: Pakistan’s boycott could have led to loss of ₹1,700 crore: Power, money, revenge – Why Pakistan creates drama before playing against India? PCB’s U-turn to play against India in T20 WC In their official tweet, the Pakistan government informed that their decision to call off the boycott came after ‘formal requests’ made by other member nations. “The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges,” a part of their statement read. “In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the statement confirmed. ICC confirms IND-PAK clash on Feb 15 as scheduled earlier The International Cricket Council also issued a statement which confirmed the development. “The ICC had previously noted the statement issued by the Government of Pakistan regarding its decision to restrict the team’s participation in the tournament to select matches.” “Ahead of what will be a highly-anticipated contest against India, Pakistan will play their second game of the tournament against the USA on 10 February in Colombo,” the apex body said. Also read: Both India, Pakistan set to quality for Super 8: Australia, England in do-or-die situation; qualification scenarios of all four groups BCB’s withdrawal from T20 WC after Mustafizur Rahman row Bangladesh announced that they will not play in India ever since Mustafizur was excluded from Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) squad for IPL 2026. This came on the back of threats received by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after reports of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh emerged. This came after the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate their T20 World Cup matches outside India. The apex body held a board meeting on 21 January to arrive at this conclusion, which involved taking votes from Full Member nations. A total of 14 out of 16 member countries voted against the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) proposal. Only Pakistan supported Bangladesh’s venue change demand.