Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, credited Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for persuading Pakistan to participate in their match against India during the T20 World Cup 2026. Earlier, the PCB had suggested that they might boycott the match in support of Bangladesh, which decided not to play in India.
This change of heart occurred on February 9 after extensive discussions between officials from the PCB, BCB, and ICC. President Dissanayake reportedly contacted Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, encouraging him to allow the team to compete.
After the match, Naqvi expressed his gratitude to Dissanayake for facilitating the event.
“I bring warm wishes from Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They asked me to convey their regards. You were instrumental in making this match happen, allowing billions to enjoy it,” Naqvi said during their meeting.
“There were several concerns about participating in the India match, but once the Prime Minister spoke with you, he informed me that everything was settled, and the team would play,” he added.
Unfortunately, Pakistan’s match with India did not go well, as they suffered a heavy defeat in Colombo. Ishan Kishan played a key role, scoring 77 runs and leading India to a total of 175 on a challenging pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium.
India’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, bowling out Pakistan in front of Naqvi, who watched from the stands. The loss means that the upcoming match against Namibia on February 18 is now crucial for Salman Ali Agha’s team.
