The suspense over Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his visit to India is finally over. Naqvi has confirmed his involvement for the ICC Annual Board Meeting in Ahmedabad. But he will be joining the meeting through a video conference, instead of travelling to India in person.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has scheduled this important meeting for May 30 and 31, 2026. It will take place in Ahmedabad, alongside the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. While many expected a face-to-face meeting between Indian and Pakistani officials, Naqvi will use a video conference link to represent Pakistan.
Mohsin Naqvi Opts for Virtual Participation at ICC Board Meeting
The decision for Mohsin Naqvi to attend virtually follows weeks of speculation in the media. Some reports in Pakistan suggested he might travel to the Narendra Modi Stadium in person. However, sources now confirm that Naqvi is one of three board members who will join the session online.
The ICC provides a virtual attendance option for member representatives who cannot travel. Therefore, Naqvi’s participation through video conferences follows standard ICC protocols. This meeting is a “quarterly affair” that the ICC holds every year to discuss the state of world cricket.
Originally, the ICC planned to hold these meetings in Doha, Qatar, during March and April. However, the governing body moved the event to India because of the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
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Why the PCB Chief is Not Travelling to India
There are several reasons that influenced Mohsin Naqvi’s decision not to travel to India. Sources claim that he did not receive an invitation to attend the IPL 2026 final. Some Pakistani media outlets reported an invitation but Indian officials did not confirm the reports.
Reports claim that Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not been invited to the Indian Premier League 2026 Final in Ahmedabad and will instead attend the ICC board meeting virtually.
The development comes amid heightened attention around cricket administration and… pic.twitter.com/n8vc1Jm6HQ
— DNA (@dna) May 16, 2026
Secondly, Mohsin Naqvi is a very high placed Pakistani government official. He is federal minister for interior and narcotics control. His visit to India as a political figure is more than just about sports administration.
Also, the relation between BCCI and PCB remains strained. Political relations are strained and cricketing differences have made direct visits difficult. Therefore, to avoid further diplomatic difficulties, the decision for a virtual presence was made.
The Role of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Reports previously stated that the final choice regarding the visit rested with the Pakistani government. As a federal minister, Naqvi works closely with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
A PCB spokesperson earlier mentioned that the Prime Minister, who is also the patron-in-chief of the PCB, would make the final call. By choosing the virtual option, the Pakistani leadership ensures that their voice is heard in the ICC meeting without the need for a physical visit to India at this time.
Key Agenda for the ICC Meeting in Ahmedabad
The meeting in Ahmedabad will feature several important topics related to the future of international cricket.
Future of the World Test Championship (WTC)
The ICC Board will discuss possible changes to the World Test Championship (WTC) after the 2027-2029 cycle. In particular there are proposals to add three more full members: Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan.
The WTC currently has nine teams competing. More teams could bring a two-tier system to prevent one-sided results. A working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose has been looking into these new proposals.
Governance and Finance
The board will also review broader financial matters and how cricket boards share revenue. Additionally, they will prepare for the ICC Annual General Meeting, which is set to take place in Edinburgh in July.
Background of India-Pakistan Cricket Tensions
The choice to attend virtually also relates to recent controversies between the two nations. Friction between the BCCI and PCB has reached a peak over the last year.
A major point of conflict occurred during the Asia Cup final in Dubai. Reports state that the Indian team refused to receive the winner’s trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. As a result, the presentation ceremony was cancelled.
Naqvi eventually left the stadium with the trophy and medals. He later instructed that the silverware stay locked away in an office in Dubai. The BCCI has since demanded the return of the trophy, adding more tension to the administrative relationship.
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