Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi faced tough questions today after Pakistan abruptly reversed its boycott threat against the upcoming T20 World Cup clash with India, set for February 15 in Colombo. The U-turn came just days after Naqvi's firm stance on skipping the match, leaving fans, critics, and players scratching their heads.

The controversy erupted last month when the ICC swapped Bangladesh for Scotland in the tournament lineup, prompting Naqvi to tie Pakistan's participation to government clearance. Pakistan soon announced it would skip the India game in a show of solidarity, amid whispers of political motivations linked to Bangladesh's elections this week. Backlash was swift. Former players and analysts branded Naqvi's initial rhetoric as reckless posturing that could jeopardize Pakistan's standing in global cricket. Social media exploded with memes mocking the PCB's hardline talk.

Pressure peaked with ICC warnings of penalties during talks at Gaddafi Stadium. Naqvi huddled with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and by today, official word came down: Pakistan will play. Naqvi, in a tense media huddle, shifted responsibility to higher-ups, mumbling about "multilateral consultations" while avoiding direct accountability. Insiders say the flip-flop averted disaster—fines, point deductions, or outright bans—but at a cost to Naqvi's credibility. It's a familiar script in Indo-Pak cricket, echoing past venue spats and the high-voltage 2024 World Cup encounter where India edged out victory.

With stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi now cleared to compete, all eyes turn to the blockbuster fixture. Yet the episode spotlights ongoing PCB-government entanglements, fueling demands for a more independent cricket board. Could this dent Pakistan's campaign momentum? Only the pitch will tell.