Mohsin Naqvi’s Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has once again stirred controversy by keeping the option open to withdraw from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 or forfeit the high-voltage clash against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The PCB chief’s increasingly hardline stance comes in the aftermath of Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament, after they refused to travel to India citing security concerns, triggering fresh uncertainty around the event.

Amid the growing noise around Pakistan’s participation, former India opener and World Cup-winning captain K Srikkanth delivered a blunt and provocative message aimed directly at Naqvi and the Pakistan team. Reacting strongly to reports of Pakistan’s reluctance, Srikkanth suggested that staying away might be the safer option for them, given India’s red-hot form in T20 cricket.

“In the last match, India scored 209 in 15 overs. In this match, they scored 150 in 10 overs. Seeing this, many teams might say, ‘No, we are not coming. You can keep the cup,’” Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, referring to India’s explosive batting displays in the ongoing T20I series.

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Taking his warning a step further, Srikkanth added, “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.” His comments, though tongue-in-cheek, underline the fear India’s aggressive approach has instilled across teams heading into the World Cup.

Interestingly, just hours after Naqvi hinted at a possible withdrawal or forfeiture, Pakistan announced their provisional T20 World Cup squad. However, the uncertainty remains unresolved. During the announcement, Pakistan’s team management confirmed that government clearance is still pending and that the final decision lies beyond the board’s control.

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“We are waiting for the government’s advice, and whatever the government tells us to do, we will do it. If they don’t want us to go for the World Cup, we will follow that,” Mohsin Naqvi told players and officials in Lahore.

With the tournament fast approaching, Pakistan’s participation — especially in the marquee India clash — remains one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the T20 World Cup 2026.