PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi exits before final wicket as India thrash Pakistan in T20 World Cup clash | Watch

PCB chief leaves early as India hammer Pakistan by 61 runs in T20 World Cup clash

India registered a comprehensive 61-run victory over Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match at R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, while an off-field moment grabbed attention after PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi left the venue with Pakistan five wickets down in the chase.

Naqvi’s exit grabs spotlight

Attention shifted to the stands when Naqvi, who had travelled to Colombo for meetings with cricket administrators, including Jay Shah, left the stadium while Pakistan were still batting and the required run rate climbing rapidly.

VIDEO | ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi leaves R. Premadasa International Stadium. #INDvsPAK

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/QXbYcjFUCN — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 15, 2026

A video showing his car leaving the venue circulated on social media. There has been no official explanation for the early departure, though the timing coincided with Pakistan losing wickets in quick succession.

“Hearing from Pakistan media people that Mohsin Naqvi indeed left,” a source confirmed to The Hindustan Times Digital.

India post 175, Pakistan collapse

After choosing to bat, India recovered from an early setback through Ishan Kishan’s aggressive 77 off 40 balls, supported by useful middle-order contributions, to reach 175/7.

Pakistan never settled in the chase. Early strikes from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya reduced them to 34/4, and the innings kept slipping as spinners tightened control. Despite Usman Khan’s fighting 44, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.

India sealed qualification for the Super Eights with their third successive victory.

Context beyond the match

The fixture carried added political and administrative tension following pre-tournament uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation. The heavy defeat, coupled with the chairman’s exit, intensified scrutiny around the team’s performance and management.

On the field, however, the contest was clear-cut: India’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Pandya and the spinners, closed out a comprehensive victory to underline their recent dominance in the rivalry.