Mohsin Naqvi Told To Find An Excuse To Save Pakistan From T20 World Cup Embarrassment From India

In a blistering critique of the Pakistan cricket team, former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to use their current political standoff with the ICC as an “excuse” to withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup to avoid certain “thrashing” by India.

Srikkanth’s comments on Monday, January 26, 2026, follow a series of dominant performances by the Indian team and a developing geopolitical crisis in world cricket.

Srikkanth’s “Warning” to Pakistan

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth reacted to India’s clinical 3–0 series sweep against New Zealand, specifically the third T20I in Guwahati where India chased 154 in just 10 overs.

• The Taunt: Srikkanth joked that seeing India’s current form—chasing 200+ in 15 overs and 150+ in 10 overs—other teams might simply “give up the cup.”
• The Advice: Addressing PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Srikkanth said:“Hey Pakistan, don’t come. Your man Mohsin Naqvi has been talking about it—don’t come. You will be thrashed. A six hit in Colombo will land in Madras. Beware. The best option is to stay away. Find an excuse and don’t come.”

Context: The Pakistan Boycott Threat

The “excuse” Srikkanth referred to is the PCB’s ongoing dispute with the ICC over the Bangladesh ouster.

• The Stand: Pakistan is currently the only nation supporting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which refused to travel to India for the World Cup due to security concerns.
• The Conflict: After the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s demand for a neutral venue and replaced them with Scotland, Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of “double standards” and hinted that Pakistan’s government might order a boycott in solidarity.
• The Situation: Although Pakistan announced their 15-member squad (led by Salman Ali Agha) on Sunday, Naqvi clarified that the final decision rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently overseas.

India’s Record-Breaking Form (January 2026)

Srikkanth’s bravado is backed by India’s historic statistical run in the lead-up to the World Cup:

• Fastest 200+ Chase: India recently chased down 209 in 15.2 overs, the fastest ever by a full-member nation.
• Guwahati Blitz: On Sunday, January 25, India chased 154 in 60 balls (10 overs).
• Individual Brilliance: Abhishek Sharma smashed a 14-ball fifty (the second-fastest by an Indian), while captain Suryakumar Yadav remains the top-ranked T20I batter globally.

Key Fixture: India vs Pakistan

If the boycott does not happen, the arch-rivals are scheduled to meet in a high-voltage Group A clash:

• Date: February 15, 2026
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Group: A (India, Pakistan, USA, Namibia, Netherlands)