PCB Chairman Invited to ICC Meetings and IPL 2026 Final Amid Tensions

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has been invited to attend the ICC Board meeting and IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad. However, the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India may affect his participation. The meetings, originally scheduled for earlier this year, aim to discuss the future of the World Test Championship. The decision on whether Naqvi will attend rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This situation highlights the complexities of sports diplomacy in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2026, 17:24 IST

Invitation Extended to PCB Chairman

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the country's interior minister, has been invited to participate in the forthcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting and the IPL 2026 final. Both events are set to occur in Ahmedabad later this month, as reported by a local media outlet.

Details of the ICC Meetings

The ICC is planning a series of meetings, including the Chief Executives Committee (CEC) and Board meetings, to discuss the future of the World Test Championship (WTC). The CEC meeting is scheduled to take place virtually on May 21, while the in-person Board meeting will occur on May 30 and 31 in Ahmedabad. The IPL 2026 final is also slated for May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Concerns Over Participation

Despite the invitation, the strained relations between the governments and cricket boards of Pakistan and India raise questions about Naqvi's attendance. Reports indicate that the PCB chairman has passed the invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who will ultimately decide on the trip to India for the meetings and the IPL final.

Background on the ICC Meetings

These upcoming meetings are part of the ICC's quarterly agenda and were initially planned for March-April in Doha. However, they were postponed due to regional tensions. The original schedule included meetings from March 25 to 27, featuring ICC Board directors, Chief Executives, Committee members, and senior officials from the governing body of world cricket.