New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi reportedly slammed the Pakistan cricket team after their humiliating 61-run defeat against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. India rode on Ishan Kishan’s heroic knock and a stellar performance from their bowlers to record their biggest win against Pakistan in T20Is at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Naqvi, who was present at the venue, reportedly left the stadium early to avoid embarrassment. He was present at the stadium alongside other officials from the PCB and the ICC. Naqvi left the stadium midway through Pakistan’s 176-run chase after it became clear that the Salman Ali Agha-led side will lose the game.
“The Chairman left the match early at the Premadasa stadium as it became obvious Pakistan were going to face another defeat to India,” a PCB source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Pakistan’s batting line-up fell like a pack of cards in the pressure chase after in-form opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed cheaply on a duck by Hardik Pandya in the first over. The likes of Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, skipper Agha and Shadab Khan all failed to deliver as Pakistan were bundled out for a paltry 114 runs in the 176-run chase to suffer a woeful defeat.
Naqvi slammed the Pakistan team after their loss, calling their performance ‘unacceptable’. The PCB chief reportedly conveyed his message to the team through Pakistan’s team manager, Naved Akram Cheema. As per PTI, Naqvi conveyed that such performances in matches that matter were not understandable or acceptable.
Pakistan to drop Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan are reportedly set to make big changes in their playing XI after the crushing defeat against India as the team management has decided to drop both Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Babar flopped during Pakistan’s chase as he managed only 5 runs off 7 balls, while Afridi conceded 31 runs in just two overs with the ball.
“Late night the management think tank decided enough was enough and it was to bench Babar and Shaheen and try out Salman Mirza/Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman against Namibia on Wednesday,” the source told PTI.
Pakistan might replace Babar with Fakhar Zaman or Khawaja Nafay at number four if they decide to drop the star batter from the playing XI. Afridi, on the other hand, is likely to make way for Naseem Shah or pacer Salman Mirza. Pakistan will be in a must-win situation against Namibia in their final group game.
Pakistan, who have four points after three matches, need to beat Namibia to ensure they qualify for the Super Eight. A defeat might send them crashing, allowing USA to pip them to the next round. Pakistan will take on Namibia in their final group game at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 18.