Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi left the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo before the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match had finished. In viral videos, the Pakistan minister was seen exiting during Pakistan’s innings, with the game still in progress and the team under pressure.
India sealed qualification for the Super Eights with a dominant 61-run win over Pakistan on Sunday, February 15. Chasing a target of 176, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. Usman Khan top-scored with 44 off 34, but India controlled the match throughout and extended their recent dominance.
Mohsin Naqvi Leaves Premadasa Stadium During Pakistan’s Chase
Mohsin Naqvi was no longer present in the VIP enclosure even though Pakistan were still batting. Officials in the media and hospitality sections noticed his exit as the chase started slipping away at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
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Video footage shared by PTI showed Naqvi sitting in a car outside the stadium while the match was still in progress. Media personnel confirmed that he left soon after Mohammad Nawaz was dismissed in the 12th over.
VIDEO | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2026: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi leaves R. Premadasa International Stadium. #INDvsPAK
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/QXbYcjFUCN
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 15, 2026
At that point, Pakistan were 77/5 while chasing 176, with the required run rate rising sharply. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, suffering a 61-run defeat.
PCB Stays Silent on Mohsin Naqvi’s Early Exit from the Ground
The PCB has not issued any official reason behind Mohsin Naqvi leaving the ground early. In a big rivalry, even small actions are noticed closely. Fans have raised questions about responsibility after another major setback, and the lack of clarity has only made those questions louder.
Naqvi was already under pressure before the tournament began. He had earlier raised doubts about Pakistan’s participation after Bangladesh were removed from the T20 World Cup 2026. He said that Pakistan’s stand was about earning respect.
That stand later turned into a boycott threat around the match against India. After talks with the ICC, Pakistan changed their decision and played the game in Colombo. The match went ahead only after the PCB made a U-turn.
India Dominate Pakistan with Strong Batting Finish and Ruthless Bowling Display
Pakistan chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck, but India steadied the innings through Ishan Kishan, who smashed 77 runs off 40 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes, on a challenging track.
However, the Men in Blue slipped to 126/4, with Hardik Pandya also falling for 0. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, along with Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh, then guided the team to a strong total of 175/7. Saim Ayub was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, returning figures of 3/25.
In reply, Pakistan collapsed to 34/4 after early strikes from Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel. Usman Khan showed some resistance with 44 off 34 balls, including six fours and a six, but he received little support from the rest of the lineup.
India’s bowlers kept the pressure on and dismissed Pakistan for 114 in 18 overs. Axar Patel led the attack with 2/29 in four overs, while Hardik Pandya (2/16), Jasprit Bumrah (2/17) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/17) also chipped in.
Also read: IND vs PAK: Why Rohit Sharma will haunt Pakistan at T20 World Cup 2026, even after retirement