Mohsin Naqvi's Potential Visit to India for ICC Meetings and IPL 2026

The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has received an invitation to attend the ICC Board meetings in Ahmedabad, coinciding with the IPL 2026 final. However, his attendance is uncertain due to political hurdles and strained relations with the BCCI. The meetings, originally set for Doha, were relocated to India amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Naqvi has forwarded the invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a final decision. The situation raises questions about the future of cricketing relations between Pakistan and India, especially following recent disputes. Will Naqvi attend in person or virtually? Read on for more insights.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2026, 17:55 IST

Invitation to ICC Board Meetings

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has reportedly been invited by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to participate in the upcoming ICC Board meetings in Ahmedabad.

These meetings are set for May 30 and 31, coinciding with the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31. This timing is significant as it brings together key figures in cricket administration during a major sporting event.

ICC Meetings Relocation

Originally planned to be held in Doha, Qatar, the ICC's quarterly meetings were moved to India due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Ahmedabad was selected as the new venue, raising questions about Naqvi's attendance at both the ICC meetings and the IPL final.

Political Implications of Naqvi's Visit

As the PCB chairman and the chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Naqvi's potential trip is being viewed through a diplomatic lens. He has forwarded the invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a final decision regarding his travel to India.

The significance of this visit extends beyond sports, as it could impact diplomatic relations between Pakistan and India.

Challenges to Attendance

Naqvi's attendance at the ICC meetings is uncertain due to political hurdles and strained relations with the BCCI, exacerbated by unresolved cricketing disputes.

As a member of the ruling cabinet, any travel across borders necessitates thorough diplomatic scrutiny and security clearance, making spontaneous travel unlikely.

The relationship between the PCB and BCCI has been tense, particularly following incidents during the Asia Cup 2025, where the Indian team refused to accept the winner's trophy from Naqvi.

Future of PCB-BCCI Relations

The friction between the two boards has escalated, especially after India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 and the PCB's threats to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026.

It remains to be seen whether the Pakistani government will grant Naqvi the necessary diplomatic clearance or if he will opt to attend the ICC meetings virtually from Islamabad.