Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi drew attention on Monday after referencing Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, while responding to questions about the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) warnings over a potential boycott of the India match at the T20 World Cup 2026. The remarks came amid mounting pressure on Pakistan to reverse its earlier stance of not playing India in the high-profile February 15 fixture.
Speaking at a Pakistan Super League (PSL) press conference, Naqvi was asked about reports that the ICC had threatened sanctions, including points forfeiture and financial penalties, if Pakistan refused to take the field. In response, the PCB chief said neither he nor the Pakistani government was intimidated by such warnings, before making an explicit reference to Asim Munir.
“Neither am I intimidated by the threats from India and the ICC, nor is the Government of Pakistan. And as for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, you already know him—he never gets afraid,” Naqvi said, a statement that quickly circulated on social media and sparked debate over the mixing of politics, the military, and cricket administration.
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Asim Munir was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal—the highest military honour in Pakistan—in May 2025. His promotion followed heightened tensions with India during what Pakistan described as Operation Sindoor. Naqvi’s mention of Munir was widely interpreted as a signal of confidence in the government’s backing amid the standoff with international cricket authorities.
The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of Pakistan’s initial refusal to play India in the T20 World Cup, reportedly following government directives. The ICC subsequently engaged in discussions with the PCB and other member boards, warning that a boycott could have serious sporting and financial consequences for Pakistan and the tournament as a whole.
Later on Monday, Pakistan formally reversed its position. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the decision after consultations involving Sri Lanka and other stakeholders. An official government statement said Pakistan would play India on February 15, citing the outcomes of multilateral discussions and requests from friendly nations.
The statement added that the decision was taken to protect the spirit of cricket and ensure the smooth continuity of the global tournament, effectively bringing an end to the brief but high-profile boycott saga.
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