Mohsin Naqvi, Jay Shah set for high-voltage face-off during India vs Pakistan match

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly set to travel to Colombo for the match between India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, February 15. During the visit, he is expected to hold talks with senior International Cricket Council officials, including chairman Jay Shah.

Relations between the ICC and PCB became tense after the Pakistani government asked its team to skip the match against India during the marquee tournament. They wanted to show support for Bangladesh, which had refused to travel to India over security concerns and was later replaced by Scotland.

Notably, the situation eased only after negotiations involving the ICC and the cricket boards of Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. Following these talks, Pakistan withdrew its boycott threat and agreed to play the match.

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Mohsin Naqvi Likely to Hold Talks With ICC Chairman Jay Shah in Colombo

According to PTI, Mohsin Naqvi will travel to Colombo with senior PCB officials Salman Naseer and Sumair Ahmed for the Group A match at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

The report added that the visit is aimed at easing tensions with ICC officials, especially after the recent boycott episode. Naqvi is expected to use the occasion to reopen dialogue and smooth relations with key stakeholders.

“The Sri Lankan board has invited officials from other boards as well but the reason for Naqvi going is to have discussions with ICC Chairman, Jay Shah and other officials on the sidelines to break the ice after the boycott fiasco," the report’s quoted source said.

Mohsin Naqvi Meets Pakistan Prime Minister Ahead of Sri Lanka Visit

Before travelling to Sri Lanka, Mohsin Naqvi met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the country’s overall cricket position. The discussions focused on Pakistan’s current standing in world cricket and its approach toward the ICC.

The report also said that senior officials from the Indian and Bangladesh boards will be present in Colombo. There is a strong chance of informal meetings on the sidelines involving the ICC chairman and other top officials during the visit.

“Naqvi will be in a position to have productive talks in Colombo having gotten clearance from the Premier," the quoted source added.

Senior BCCI Officials Expected to Attend India vs Pakistan Match

BCCI officials Mithun Manhas, Devajit Saikia, and Rajeev Shukla will be present from India. Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed that the invitation came directly from the ICC. He said the ICC wants key Asian members to come together for this fixture.

Aminul stated that the ICC views five Asian nations as major stakeholders. The plan is for all five countries to watch the game together and hold discussions on the sidelines.

“The ICC has taken a decision. The major stakeholders of the ICC are these five Asian countries and for the India-Pakistan World Cup match on the 15th, they want representatives of all five Asian countries to be present at the ground together, watch the match together and talk to one another," Islam had remarked.

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