Mohsin Naqvi is a politician first and a sports administrator later. We saw this clearly during the Asia Cup in Dubai. It therefore came as no surprise when Mr Naqvi told the press in Lahore that Pakistan had not yet decided whether they would participate in the T20 World Cup, and that the final call would be taken by the Prime Minister. He also referred to the India–Pakistan skirmish in May 2025 and then ended the briefing, leaving behind a cloud of intrigue.
The truth is that Mr Naqvi said nothing of substance. Yet he managed to placate Bangladesh. Like a seasoned politician, he played his cards. So what if the game is harmed? So what if Bangladesh lose out after being misled? So what if Pakistan ultimately doe not withdraw? He always has the fallback: “I never said we would — it was always a government decision.”
In reality, Pakistan have no grounds to withdraw. What exactly has happened that would justify pulling out? Pakistan wanted their matches to be played in Sri Lanka, and that has been agreed. Even if Pakistan reach the final, it will not be played in India. Is there a security threat in Sri Lanka? No. So what is the issue? The issue is political posturing — signalling solidarity with radical and fundamentalist sections in Bangladesh. These are empty assurances, but in politics there is often no harm in semantics and grandstanding. In real terms, Pakistan have done nothing to help Bangladesh, except voting in what was already a lost cause.
As for the ICC, it has every reason to be irritated with Pakistan. India did not vote against Bangladesh — the ICC Board did. The result was 14–2, clear evidence that the Board as a whole rejected Bangladesh’s call to shift matches. In a democratic set-up, opposing such a decision is futile. Majority rule prevails, and Mr Naqvi knows this well. That is why he will play to the gallery but will not act. He will do nothing that could adversely affect Pakistan’s interests. If Pakistan were to withdraw, what would stop the ICC from curbing bilateral tours? What would stop it from refusing NOCs to players participating in the PSL? If Mr Naqvi is content with Pakistan playing only Bangladesh, so be it.
Anyone claiming the World Cup will not happen is delusional. The tournament is on, and the publicity has in fact given it momentum. People are now paying attention, and the cricketing world will come together to make it a success. By egging Bangladesh on, Pakistan has arguably harmed them more than they realise. Had Pakistan voiced even a word of caution, the Bangladeshi political establishment might have backed off. Instead, the BCB has now decided not to escalate the matter further — but the damage is done. Bangladesh stands isolated and cornered, while Mr. Naqvi continues to play the provocation card.
I do not think we have seen the end of this issue. When politicians run cricket, intrigue is inevitable. Yet, it can also lead to decisive action when matters spiral out of control — a lesson Bangladesh is now learning.
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