Mohsin Naqvi names real hero behind Pakistan's India match boycott U-turn

Pakistan cricket board chairman Mohsin Naqvi named Sri Lanka president Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the actual hero in Pakistan's decision to perform a boycott U-turn and play against India during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan had previously declared that they would boycott their T20 World Cup match against India, expressing solidarity with Bangladesh after the latter opted not to travel to India for their fixtures.

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The U-turn happened on February 9 after an extended round of discussions featuring representatives from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the ICC was held to convince Pakistan to reconsider its proposed boycott. Sri Lankan president Dissanayake also personally stepped in to call Pakistan PM Sharif and asked him to allow the team to take part in the match.

After the match, Naqvi met Dissanayake and said he was the reason for the match going ahead.

"First of all, warm greetings from the President of Pakistan (Asif Ali Zardari) and the Prime Minister of Pakistan (Shehbaz Sharif). They specially asked me to convey their greetings to you. Actually, in yesterday's match, you were the actual hero because 2 billion people were entertained because of you. So, it is only because of you that we played the match," Mohsin Naqvi told Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in a meeting.

"We were having several issues regarding playing with India, but as soon as the Prime Minister received your call, he called me up and said, 'There is no more issue... we have to play the match. That's it.' I am very thankful to you that you played a very critical role in this," said Naqvi.

WHAT HAPPENED IN IND VS PAK?

The match against India didn't end up being a sweet memory for Pakistan as they were beaten handsomely in Colombo. Powered by Ishan Kishan's magnificent 77, India posted 175 on a tricky pitch at the R. Premadasa stadium.

The Indian bowlers were on the money as Pakistan fell apart in front of Naqvi, who was present for the game. The loss meant that Pakistan's match against Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday, February 18 becomes a must-win game for Salman Ali Agha and his men.

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