'No political gain': Mohsin Naqvi explains why Pakistan agreed to play India in T20 World Cup clash

PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan agreed to play India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after international cricket authorities addressed Bangladesh’s concerns, insisting the move was taken to uphold the spirit of the game and not for any personal or political gain.

Speaking to the media in Peshawar, Naqvi stressed that cricket should be kept separate from politics and that decisions were made to support regional cricket and fairness among participating nations. He said Pakistan’s stance in recent talks was aimed at “giving respect to Bangladesh” after what he described as an unfair situation involving their participation in the tournament.

According to officials, Pakistan will now face India in their scheduled T20 World Cup match on 15 February in Colombo.

Naqvi said the PCB’s objective during discussions with the International Cricket Council and Bangladesh Cricket Board was to ensure Bangladesh received due consideration. “Our purpose was to give respect to Bangladesh. There was no personal motive involved,” he told reporters, adding that Bangladesh’s position had now been accepted and addressed, which cleared the way for Pakistan to play India.

He added that the government wants sport to remain above politics and is pursuing positive measures for the promotion of cricket across the region. On future Pakistan-India cricket ties, Naqvi said only time would determine how relations develop, but reiterated the preference for keeping sporting contests separate from political disputes.

Pakistan will play T20 World Cup match against India on Feb 15

Earlier, Pakistan had decided not to play against India in solidarity with Bangladesh after the Bangladeshi side was excluded from the tournament when it declined to travel to India citing security concerns. Following high-level deliberations, ICC representatives travelled to Lahore and held meetings with PCB and BCB officials to resolve the matter.

A government statement confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved Pakistan’s participation against India after being briefed by Naqvi on the outcome of the talks between the PCB, ICC and BCB. Islamabad said the decision was taken to protect the spirit of cricket and ensure continuity of the global event for all participating nations.

The development was welcomed in India. Board of Control for Cricket in India Vice President Rajeev Shukla praised the outcome of the negotiations and described the resolution as beneficial for all sides. Speaking to Indian media, he said he was pleased with the results of the Lahore deliberations and credited the ICC for bringing stakeholders together.

Shukla called the arrangement a win for Pakistan, Bangladesh and the tournament itself, and said scheduling the Pakistan-India match for 15 February was good news for fans and organisers. He added that Bangladesh’s board had also received relief through the negotiated outcome and expressed confidence that the World Cup would proceed successfully.

Focus on domestic cricket

During his Peshawar media talk, Naqvi also outlined several domestic cricket initiatives. He announced that the number of teams in domestic competitions has been increased by two to strengthen the structure and widen opportunity. The winning side in the domestic tournament will receive Rs5 million in prize money, while the runners-up will get Rs2.5 million.

He noted that around 60 percent of players in the current national pool come from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling it proof of the province’s strong cricket talent base. The PCB, he said, is working closely with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Board to improve grounds and establish academies, with more development steps planned.

Naqvi also revealed that two teams are being formed from the Peshawar region to promote regional talent and prevent promising players from being overlooked. On the possibility of Pakistan Super League matches in Peshawar, he said an update or positive news could emerge soon.