Overview:
Pakistan must defeat Namibia in their next match on Wednesday at the SSC Stadium in Colombo to clinch a Super Eight spot.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, was present in Colombo for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 showdown between India and Pakistan. However, he made an early exit, leaving the R Premadasa Stadium before the game concluded. PTI later broadcast footage of him walking out ahead of the final result.
The news agency reported on Monday that Naqvi was disappointed with Pakistan’s performance following their 61-run defeat, a result that has now placed them on the brink of elimination.
A source informed PTI that Naqvi expressed his displeasure to team manager Naved Akram Cheema following Pakistan’s poor batting performance. “The chairman exited the match early at Premadasa Stadium when it became evident that Pakistan was on course for another loss to India,” a source said.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi was seen leaving the stadium during the second innings of the IND vs PAK clash in Colombo. His early exit after Mohammad Nawaz’s dismissal sparked reactions online as Pakistan eventually lost by 61 runs.#MohsinNaqvi #PCB #INDvsPAK… pic.twitter.com/NnmHqX75OV
— The Daily Jagran (@TheDailyJagran) February 16, 2026
The team management expressed their frustration in the dressing room, with head coach Mike Hesson telling the players they had failed to perform at their best against India.
“Late into the night, the management decided it was time to make a change, opting to bench Babar and Shaheen, and give Salman Mirza/Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman a chance to play against Namibia on Wednesday,” the source added.
If Pakistan proceed with changes in their final Group A match, Babar and Shaheen’s World Cup campaign this year could be over, as the management is eager to give young Khawaja Nafay a shot in the middle order.
Pakistan must defeat Namibia in their next match on Wednesday at the SSC Stadium in Colombo to clinch a Super Eight spot.