[WATCH] T20 World Cup 2026: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi leaves stadium early after batting collapse in IND vs PAK

In a moment that captured the attention of fans and the cricketing world, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Pakistan Internal Minister Mohsin Naqvi was seen departing the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo early during the Salman Ali Agha-led side’s heavy defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 15.

The controversial exit came in the midst of the Men in Green’s batting collapse, as the Indian bowlers applied relentless pressure and dismantled the opposition lineup. With Pakistan struggling to keep up with the required run rate, Naqvi’s early departure sparked widespread reaction across social media, giving rise to debate among countless cricket followers. According to a News18 video, Naqvi left the ground early.

Watch the video here

The incident added another talking point to an intense fixture that saw India dominate across departments, both with bat and ball. While Pakistan’s top order faltered under pressure, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side raced to a commanding total and never looked back as the visitors crumbled in response.

Shoaib Akhtar calls Naqvi “incompetent person”

After a 61-run humiliating defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India, former Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar has come hard on Mohsin Naqvi after his theatrics before and during the marquee clash between India and Pakistan.

“Now one guy doesn’t even know he’s the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. How will the team run now? You’re saying one guy, you’ve made him a superstar, he can’t win a single match. You’ve made him a star who can’t win a single living match,” Akhtar was quoted as saying by India Today.

The legendary bowler further continued slamming the PCB chief saying that he is not the right person for the job and is instead an incompetent person.

“Brother, when you make these kinds of stars, when you choose them, when you pick them, then you’ll have this problem only. But again, the point is, if you see, you know what the biggest crime in the world is? The biggest crime in the world is that you give a big job to an incompetent person,” he concluded. 

India will now face the Netherlands in their last Group A fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on February 18. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be crossing swords with Namibia in their last group-stage game, where a win can take them to the Super Eights.