The Pakistan Super League keeps increasing its importance yet people keep focusing on comparing it to the Indian Premier League because Mohsin Naqvi made an audacious statement. Naqvi showed his confidence about upcoming franchise cricket developments which will happen during the 2026 cricketing season because both leagues will operate at that time.

The PCB chairman declared his strong belief that the PSL has developed into a worldwide brand after the league held its first franchise auction which achieved record results and expanded to eight teams. The league now attracts more investment because it undergoes fundamental changes in its organizational structure.

Mohsin Naqvi makes strong statement on PSL’s global ambitions

The Gaddafi Stadium Board of Governors meeting concluded with Naqvi presenting evidence of the league's financial success and its ability to attract more investors. The PSL now serves as the top investment destination according to him who predicted that PSL would become the leading global league within ten years. 

ALSO SEE: IPL 2026: ₹18 billion valuation highlights league’s massive contribution to India’s economy

The 2026 season introduces a new chapter in PSL history through the introduction of two new teams which are Hyderabad Kingsmen and Sialkot Stallionz. The auction saw record bids which showed the league's growing financial power. The PCB approved its financial statements for the 2024-25 period which showed off-field stability improvements along with actual facility growth.

Comparing PSL and IPL growth, viewership and reach

The PSL needs to establish better connection with their audience because their current audience base shows major differences from the IPL audience. The IPL continues to dominate global cricket in terms of revenue, brand value, player salaries, and worldwide reach.

The IPL operates on a different financial scale because it generates media rights worth billions and attracts massive global viewership. The PSL has achieved consistent progress in digital engagement and competitive balance but remains behind other leagues because of its weak commercial power.

The two leagues have created a schedule conflict which prevents international players from participating in PSL because they choose higher-paying IPL contracts that offer better visibility. The PSL maintains its own advantages through its competitive matches, strong pace-bowling tradition, and dedicated fan following.

The league is on a path to development because it will switch to an auction system in 2026 while attracting more investors.Naqvi uses his bold statement to show his ambition for his dreams which exist beyond current situations. The PSL needs to achieve continuous development in its business operations and international market presence during the next few years to successfully compete with the IPL. 

The Pakistan team is also participating in the T20 World Cup 2026, which is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Initially, due to Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland, the Pakistan Cricket Board had threatened to boycott the tournament, but nothing of that sort happened, and they agreed to play. In this tournament, Pakistan is playing under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha and is still in the race for the semi-finals. However, reports indicate that Salman might be removed from the captaincy after the tournament.

Reports suggest that Salman Ali Agha will lose his captaincy now, regardless of Pakistan's performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly unhappy with Salman's captaincy in the tournament. Naqvi is unsatisfied with the way Pakistan has performed so far in the tournament and has decided to make a change in the leadership.

See Also: Major decision incoming? Sri Lanka star likely to act after early T20 World Cup 2026 exit

According to a source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board, a decision has been taken to change the leadership of the team in the shortest format after the T20 World Cup. The source said, 

“Naqvi is not happy at all because this time he was assured by the selectors, team management and his close aides in the board that the team was set to do well in the World Cup.”

Big changes may happen in the Pakistan team after T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan has won the title only once so far, and it was expected that this time the team would perform well by taking advantage of Colombo's slow pitches, but they were seen struggling here as well. Pakistan also faced a heavy defeat against its arch-rival India. During this match, seeing his team's shameful performance, Mohsin Naqvi quietly left the stadium. Now he is in the mood for action and, along with removing Salman Ali Agha from the captaincy, could also drop some big players.

"Salman, Babar Azam, Usman Khan and a few others will probably see curtains on their T20 international careers after the World Cup," the source further added.

After Pakistan's disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026, the PCB is taking action, and discussions may take place in meetings with head coach Mike Hesson as well as the selection committee for the future. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan are being considered for the position of Pakistan's new T20 captain. Now it remains to be seen what decision the PCB makes after the tournament concludes.

Syed Ashraful Haque, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and former General Secretary of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), in an exclusive interview with RevSportz, stated that the newly formed government in Bangladesh and the sports minister should make a strong relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ensure progression in cricket.

Haque believes it was unfortunate for Bangladesh that they are ultimately not a part of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He also stated that Pakistan had a strong influence behind Bangladesh's decision to not travel to India for the tournament.

"With the new government and the appointment of Mr. Aminul Haque, a former Bangladesh national football team player who is young and energetic, I hope he takes everything on board. I am confident he understands that to advance our game, we must maintain a strong relationship with India—not just with the Indian cricket board but also with other cricket boards in the region," Ashraful Haque said.

Read More: Watch: ‘Under his guidance…’- Ibrahim Zadran dedicates ‘Player of the Match’ award to this post AFG vs CAN T20 WC 2026

The Bangladesh cricket officials' decision came a few days after the snub of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026. Haque said that it was a drastic and premature decision taken by the officials only because Rahman got ejected from the franchise league.

"I always believed the decision taken by the Bangladesh government at the time, particularly by the then sports advisor, was premature. There was no justification for such a drastic decision simply because Mustafizur Rahman was not allowed to play in the IPL in India," Haque added.

Mohsin Naqvi put pressure on Bangladesh to go against India?

He further explained that Bangladesh's decision not to travel in India could be influenced by Mohsin Naqvi, the chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

"As a cricket administrator, I focus on honesty and commitment. Aminul Islam (BCB President), likely being naive, was influenced by Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, the current ACC president, who persuaded him to go along. At the end of the day, who won?" Haque raised the question. 

Amid the T20 World Cup 2026, while Pakistan is bracing itself for the Round of Eight, a star cricketer of the nation faced serious allegations from his ex-wife. Through a social media post, Sannia Ashfaq, the ex-wife of Imad Wasim, labelled him as a murderer. 

Through a video post, she urged interventions from the Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz. She even called for a boycott of Islamabad United, a Pakistan Super League (PSL) team, for signing Imad Wasim for the upcoming edition of the franchise league. Sannia Ashfaq claimed that the cricketer forced her into an abortion instead of providing mental support. 

"In a social media post, Sannia said that she has video proof in support of those allegations. In December 2023, he got my child aborted in Lahore. He’s a murderer, and I have a video that proves it. He cheated on me. @islamabadunitedpsl has given a chance to a murderer and a cheater. #boycottislamabadunited no cheater or murderer should get an escape," she wrote in a social media post. 

Read More: Watch: KL Rahul played fighting knock in 2nd Innings of Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Semi Final

In a separate video, which is a video post on Instagram, she claimed that the cricketer kept himself in silence during her time of pregnancy. Without any proper response, she felt devastated mentally and physically, Sannia Ashfaq said. 

Sannia Ashfaq, the former wife of Imad Wasim, has made serious allegations against the Pakistan cricketer.

Sannia, Imad Wasim’s ex wife, has accused him of abuse and urged Islamabad United and Mohsin Naqvi to reconsider his place in the team in light of his character.pic.twitter.com/evnzVbmEPh

— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) February 18, 2026

In a video shared on social media, Ashfaq stated that she gathered the courage to speak publicly in her children's interest and to seek justice. She claimed that in December 2023, she was allegedly forced to undergo an abortion against her will, which led to severe physical and emotional trauma. According to her, the period that followed was marked by mistrust rather than support, and she asserted that she has evidence to support her claims.

Clarifying her intentions, Ashfaq said that her decision to come forward is not driven by revenge but by the need for accountability and justice. She urged the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take notice of the matter and ensure a proper and impartial investigation.

She also appealed to Imad Wasim’s franchise, Islamabad United, to reconsider his place in the squad in light of the allegations, stressing that player conduct off the field should also be taken into account.

As of now, there has been no official response from the player or the concerned authorities. The situation continues to develop, and further clarity is expected once the relevant bodies review the claims and any supporting evidence presented

FAQs

Is there any official response from Imad Wasim or PCB?
No official response has been released yet by the player or the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Q5. Will this affect Imad Wasim’s participation in T20 World Cup 2026?
There is no official decision yet. Any impact on selection will depend on the outcome of inquiries by the concerned authorities.

What allegations have been made against Imad Wasim?
Sannia Ashfaq has accused the Pakistan cricketer of abuse and claimed she was forced to undergo an abortion in December 2023, stating she has evidence to support her claims.

Q2. Who has been requested to investigate the matter?
She urged PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure a proper and fair investigation.

India beat Pakistan by a record 61 runs in a big T20 World Cup match in Colombo on Sunday. With this win, India secured their place in the Super Eights stage. The match showed the difference in quality between the two teams, as India once again dominated Pakistan. Chasing 176, Pakistan was all out for 114 in 18 overs, despite Usman Khan scoring 44 runs off 34 balls.

A video on social media showed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister of Pakistan, leaving the R. Premadasa Stadium early in a black car. The reason for his early exit is not known, but it happened as Pakistan lost wickets quickly.

Sources said that Naqvi told team manager Naved Akram Cheema that he was unhappy with the team’s performance in the 61-run loss to India.

Also read -Watch: Travis Head smashes massive sixes against Dushan Hemantha in SL vs AUS T20 WC 2026

Pakistan Management Unhappy After Heavy Loss to India

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, through a senior official, told team manager Naved Akram Cheema that such performances in important matches are not acceptable. Head coach Mike Hesson also spoke to the players in the dressing room, saying they had not played to their full potential.

Team Changes Considered Ahead of Namibia Match

The management decided late at night to bench players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi and try Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, and Fakhar Zaman in the match against Namibia on Wednesday. If these changes work, Babar and Shaheen might miss the rest of the World Cup. The management is also considering giving young Khawaja Nafay a chance in the middle order.

Pakistan cannot afford any mistakes against Namibia if they want to reach the Super Eight stage. The team had beaten lower-ranked USA and the Netherlands before losing heavily to India.

On the eve of the T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan, scheduled to take place on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, arrived in the city, where he received a grand welcome with the traditional drums and dance upon reaching the team’s hotel as the video goes viral on the social media platforms.

The reports have claimed that Mohsin Naqvi will meet the national team, in the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, during his visit. He was accompanied by the Punjab Chief Secretary, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, the PCB COO, Sumair Ahmed Syed, and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) CEP. Salman Naseer.

See Also: Watch: Finn Allen smashes Lungi Ngidi for massive six in NZ vs SA T20 World Cup 2026

Naqvi, who had a simple and formal discussion with the journalists at the hotel, was asked about tomorrow’s match, to which he replied, “May Allah bless us. Our team is in good form, it will be good.” The reception at the hotel was attended by the Sri Lankan Minister of Sports and other officials.

PCB Chairman arrives in Colombo before IND vs PAK T20 WC 2026 clash

Mohsin Naqvi was reportedly expected to meet the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chair, the International Cricket Council (ICC) chair, Jay Shah, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chair, Aminul Islam, who has changed his mind at the last minutes and decided not to travel to Colombo to watch the India vs Pakistan clash of the T20 WC 2026.

Watch the video here: 

Breaking 🚨

Mohsin Naqvi arrives at the Pakistan team hotel in Colombo!#INDvPAK #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/ldbUKrKVLl

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) February 14, 2026

“I spoke with Aminul Islam. Since Bangladesh isn't in it, he said, 'Why should I go there just to watch the match?' So he refused. Maybe at first he said he would go, but later realized if Bangladesh isn't playing, what's the point of going unnecessarily.” The BCB umpires committee chairman, Iftekhar Rahman, expressed on Cricbuzz, as reported.

India won both their opening clashes against the United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai before winning the contest against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Meanwhile, Pakistan won both their clashes against the Netherlands and the USA at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 group stage match is scheduled to be played on February 15. The venue for this match is R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. However, before the start of the tournament, there were clouds of uncertainty over the India-Pakistan match, as the Pakistan government had announced a boycott of this match. After waiting for more than a week and finally receiving approval from the government, the PCB agreed to play the match against India.

Bilateral series are no longer held between India and Pakistan, which is why their matches are seen only during ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. This is the reason why whenever these two teams face each other, many prominent figures appear on the field, including the country's Prime Minister as well as numerous former cricketers and celebrities. Similar expectations are being expressed this time as well.

According to a report by Geo News, ICC Chairman Jay Shah and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi are likely to be present in Colombo for the marquee India–Pakistan clash. Sources further indicate that, in addition to ICC officials, representatives of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are also expected to attend the fixture. Officials from both the BCCI and the PCB could be seen at the same venue. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket has clarified that members of other cricket boards are also welcome to attend the high-profile encounter.

See Also: Mohsin Naqvi to return Asia Cup 2025 trophy to Jay Shah during IND vs PAK T20 WC 2026 clash? Report drops bombshell

India has the upper hand against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup

Although the rivalry between India and Pakistan is highly hyped, Team India has mostly had the upper hand in their T20 World Cup encounters. So far, 8 matches have been played between them in the tournament, with India leading 7-1. Pakistan's only win against India came in 2021, when Babar Azam's captain-led team won the match by 10 wickets. In that match, Virat Kohli was captaining Team India.

Last year in the Asia Cup, India also showed dominance against Pakistan, and under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, the team won three consecutive matches, including the final. Due to consistently strong performances against Pakistan, India is expected to maintain its dominance. However, Pakistan cannot be taken lightly, as the team can outplay any opponent on its day.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has reportedly been scheduled to be in Colombo for the marquee event between India and Pakistan on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium for the 2026 season of the T20 World Cup. With the visit, Naqvi is also expected to be in talks with the ICC officials, following the brief boycott episode.

The reports have claimed that the senior PCB officials, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL) CEO, Salman Naseer, and Chief Operating Officer, Sumari Ahmed, will be accompanying Mohsin Naqvi to Sri Lanka for the Group A clash, which is slated to start in the late evening at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

See Also: Watch: Jofra Archer completes 50 T20I wickets in ENG vs SCO T20 World Cup 2026 clash

“The Sri Lankan board has invited officials from other boards as well, but the reason for Naqvi going is to have discussions with ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, and other officials on the sidelines to break the ice after the boycott fiasco.” The report has addressed.

Mohsin Naqvi to meet Jay Shah in IND vs PAK T20 WC 2026 clash

Relations between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan were not at a good stage after the Pakistan government directed that they could play the T20 World Cup, but were not allowed to feature in the Indian clash, which was their stance to prove solidarity with the Bangladesh side following their refusal to travel to India for the World Cup fixture.

The reports claimed that before leaving for Colombo, the PCB chief had met again with the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and both discussed the cricketing scenarios and Pakistan’s policy regarding the ICC. The Indian side is also expected to get back their Asia Cup 2025 trophy, while the handshake controversy could also end.

Pakistan won both of their first two encounter against the Netherlands and the United States of America of the T20 World Cup at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Meanwhile, India has topped the group with two dominant victories against the USA and Namibia in Mumbai and Delhi, respectively.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra recently took a dig at Pakistan on social media. He reacted to news that the PCB might change its decision to boycott the IND vs PAK game in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. In one of his posts, Chopra sarcastically targeted Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

"But the Pakistan PM announced, ‘We will not play.’ Does the PM have any spine? Are his words really strong?" Chopra wrote in a post on X.

Chopra’s comments came after PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi held talks with ICC deputy chairman Imran Khawaja in Lahore. Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam was also present at the meeting.

Also read -

But Pak PM ne toh announce kiya ‘nahin khelenge’. PM ki bhi toh koi spine hoti hogi? Zubaan ke pukke hote honge? https://t.co/pNQzi0RDZU

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 9, 2026

Pakistan Under Pressure to Reverse IND vs PAK Boycott in T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan were warned about the consequences of a boycott, including financial penalties the board could face. In response, they have made several demands to reverse their decision. A final decision will be made after PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday.

ICC Threatens Sanctions While Bangladesh Seeks Compensation

Naqvi had met PM Shehbaz Sharif before the boycott decision was announced. PCB later used a force majeure clause, which the ICC questioned. The ICC also warned of further sanctions, including heavy fines and withholding nearly $35 million in revenue.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Aminul Islam is believed to have asked for compensation after his team was removed from the T20 World Cup 2026. ICC ousted Bangladesh after BCB refused to travel to India due to security concerns. A request to change the venue was denied, and Scotland was brought in as a replacement.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a major call ahead of PSL 2026 by deciding not to sell the league’s broadcast rights in India. This is a clear shift from last season, when Sony Sports Network aired PSL 2025. The decision means Indian fans will not get official access to PSL matches this year. It comes at a time when cricket ties between the two nations remain strained.

The move follows Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. That call was made on political grounds after talks between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the Pakistani government. Earlier, Pakistan had also refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns. As a result, the ICC decided to co-host the World Cup with Sri Lanka.

Reports in Pakistan suggest the PSL broadcast ban in India is linked to current political tensions. The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is believed to have taken a firm stand. While this blocks PSL viewership in India, it may also hurt the PCB financially. Indian audiences form a big part of cricket viewership in the region.

PSL 2026 to Clash With IPL, Franchises Change Strategy

In February last year, Sony Sports Network had secured the media rights for PSL 2025. Along with the league, the network also picked up rights for several Pakistan home series. These included white-ball series against Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, plus a full tour by South Africa. The Afghanistan series was later cancelled due to cross-border tensions.

See Also: Big concern for India as star Indian all-rounder remains unfit ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

For PSL 2026, the league is set to run at the same time as IPL 2026. With the IPL dominating Indian screens, PSL visibility was already expected to be limited. The decision to keep the league off Indian television further reduces its reach. This could result in noticeable revenue losses for the PCB.

Another key update is that some PSL franchises are avoiding direct player signings this year. Instead, they are saving money for the PSL 2026 auction, which will take place next week during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, India-Pakistan cricket relations remain uncertain. Pakistan’s World Cup boycott means they lose two points, while the ICC and BCCI also miss out on one of cricket’s biggest fixtures.