Lahore – In a defiant response to potential sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi asserted that Pakistan fears no threats, emphasizing the nation's resolve amidst ongoing negotiations regarding the T20 World Cup 2026. Naqvi's remarks, made at a press conference in Lahore on Monday following the Multan Sultans auction ceremony, have reverberated throughout the cricketing world, particularly his reference to Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The backdrop to these comments is the ongoing discussion between the ICC and the PCB, along with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), concerning the upcoming T20 World Cup, specifically a potential match between Pakistan and India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The PCB had previously raised concerns with the ICC, reportedly supporting the BCB after Bangladesh was effectively ousted from the tournament for declining to play in India due to security concerns.
Naqvi stated that Pakistan's final decision on whether to boycott the match against India would be made public soon, pending a response from the ICC and BCB. He noted that discussions had been respectful, acknowledging the ICC's presence in Pakistan and emphasizing the need to support Bangladesh's valid concerns. "Bangladesh is our brotherly country. We did what was necessary to support them," he affirmed.
However, it was Naqvi's blunt dismissal of potential ICC sanctions that drew the most attention. "I am not afraid of threats, nor is the government. And you know the Field Marshal [Syed Asim Munir] as well," he stated. This statement, interpreted as a sign of Pakistan's unwavering stance, suggests that the nation is prepared to face any repercussions from the ICC.
Sources indicate that Naqvi and ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja held a four-hour meeting in Lahore on Sunday to discuss the World Cup and the proposed Pakistan-India match. The PCB reportedly conveyed that it wasn't seeking special treatment but would stand against what it perceived as injustice toward Bangladesh. Demands made by Naqvi during the meeting included the resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, as well as a tri-series involving Bangladesh, aimed at offsetting losses incurred by the BCB. However, the request for a tri-series was reportedly rejected.
Despite the tough talk, sources within the PCB suggest that Naqvi will seek counsel from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and potentially reconsider the boycott call, particularly after persuasion from his Bangladeshi counterpart. While the situation remains fluid, Naqvi's recent comments underscore Pakistan's firm position and its willingness to confront potential challenges in the realm of international cricket. According to sources, the Government of Pakistan has cleared the decks for the match against India to proceed as scheduled on February 15 in Colombo.