By Admin 
Before the T20 World Cup 2026, cricket and politics once again seem to be clashing with each other. The recent statement of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has further fueled this controversy. Naqvi indicated that Pakistan may withdraw from the T20 World Cup 2026 in support of Bangladesh. Bangladesh had refused to play in India citing security reasons and was out of the tournament.
Former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winning captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has given a sharp reaction to this statement of Mohsin Naqvi. Srikanth said in clear words that if Pakistan is scared then there is no need for it to come to India.
Srikanth’s strong statement
Srikanth said on his YouTube channel that many teams may get scared after seeing the way the current Indian team is batting. He said, “In the last match, India scored 209 runs in 15 overs, now 150 runs in 10 overs. I have never seen such a beating in T20 cricket. I want to tell Pakistan, do not come. Your chairman himself is giving the same signal. If you come, you will be beaten badly.”
Srikanth also said in a funny but stern manner that India’s power-hitting is so dangerous that a six hit in Colombo will reach Madras. According to him, the current form of the Indian team is a warning to other teams.
Squad announced after statement
Interestingly, just hours after Naqvi hinted at withdrawing from the World Cup, Pakistan had announced its squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. However, even after the announcement of the squad, the situation is not completely clear.
Pakistan management told in the press conference that the team has not yet received formal approval from the government to go to India and play. The final decision has to be taken by the Government of Pakistan.
Waiting for the government’s decision
Speaking to the players and coaching staff in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi said, “We are waiting for the government’s advice. Whatever the government says will be done. If the government asks us not to go to the World Cup, we will follow it.”