PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Reacts to Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Loss Against India

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi issued a blunt message to his national team following a comprehensive 61-run defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo on February 15, 2026 — a loss that piled fresh pressure on Pakistan’s cricket leadership and squad. India’s dominant victory extended their winning tally over Pakistan in T20 World Cups and left fans and officials in Pakistan reacting strongly to the result.

Naqvi, who was present in the stands at the R. Premadasa Stadium as Pakistan’s innings faltered, was seen leaving the venue before the match concluded amid the team’s batting collapse. Local media reports indicate that following the defeat, he conveyed a stern message to players, effectively warning them to take responsibility and improve performances in the tournament’s remaining fixtures.

The atmosphere around the Pakistan camp turned increasingly critical after the loss, with former players and commentators publicly censuring the team’s showing. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar sharply criticised Pakistan’s performance and leadership, targeting Naqvi himself as emblematic of broader organisational failings — comments that added to the scrutiny of the PCB chief’s role. Akhtar labelled current leadership as ineffective and said that poor decision-making at the top had hindered Pakistan’s competitive edge.

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The defeat highlighted deeper concerns within the Pakistan setup following its collapse against India’s strong batting and bowling displays. Key moments from the match saw Pakistan reeling early in its chase of India’s total, ultimately being bundled out well short of the target, a scenario that intensified calls for tactical reassessments and stronger accountability.

Despite the heavy loss and external criticism, Naqvi’s message to the team was understood by analysts as a push for unity and a focus on the remaining World Cup matches. Pakistan still faced crucial fixtures to keep its Super Eight prospects alive, meaning internal morale and response to leadership cues were seen as decisive for the months ahead.

Pakistan’s defeat not only had sporting implications but also stirred reactions across cricket networks, with commentators noting that leadership and selection decisions would likely be scrutinised as Pakistan aims to rebound. Naqvi’s public admonition underscored the high expectations placed on the team and its administrators amid one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.

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