PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi’s Early Exit Ignites Controversy In Colombo

COLOMBO — For the 30,000 fans at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the most striking image of Sunday’s high-voltage clash wasn’t Ishan Kishan’s 77-run blitz or Jasprit Bumrah’s clinical wickets. Instead, it was the sight of an empty seat in the VIP enclosure where Mohsin Naqvi had sat just an hour earlier.

Confirmations from stadium officials and viral video footage show Naqvi—who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister—leaving the venue while Pakistan was still batting and their chase was mathematically alive. The early departure has been characterized by critics and former players as “embarrassing” and a “lack of accountability.”

1. The Optics of a Quiet Exit

The PCB Chairman’s departure was noted between overs as the required run rate surged past 12.

• The Moment: Witnesses observed Naqvi’s black SUV leaving the stadium premises as Pakistan slumped to 97/8.
• The Silence: No official statement has been released regarding the early exit. In a rivalry where every gesture is dissected, fans on social media have labeled it a “U-turn on the field” to match the board’s pre-tournament U-turn.
• The Attendance: Naqvi was sharing the enclosure with high-profile dignitaries, including Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and reportedly ICC Chairman Jay Shah.

2. From Boycott to Blowout: The Context

The frustration surrounding Naqvi stems from his central role in the “Boycott Soap Opera” that nearly derailed the tournament earlier this month.

• The Stand: Naqvi originally spearheaded a threat to boycott the India match in solidarity with Bangladesh (who withdrew from their India fixtures over security concerns).
• The Reversal: Following intense pressure from the ICC and the Sri Lankan government, Naqvi met with PM Shehbaz Sharif and reversed the decision just five days before the match to “secure respect” for Pakistan cricket.
• The Result: After the diplomatic bravado, the 61-run defeat—Pakistan’s largest-ever T20I loss to India—has left the PCB leadership vulnerable to claims that the focus was on politics rather than preparation.

3. A Board Under Pressure

The early exit has amplified calls for a total overhaul of the PCB’s administrative structure.

• Dual Roles: Critics have long questioned Naqvi’s ability to lead both the Interior Ministry and the PCB simultaneously, especially during a World Cup.
• Selection Scrutiny: Following the loss, former greats like Mohammad Yousuf have suggested that the current leadership is protecting “empty performers” rather than building a team capable of competing with top-tier sides.

4. Next for Pakistan: The SSC Survival Test

The team now moves from the R. Premadasa to the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground for their final Group A match.