Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has delivered unexpected praise for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during a recent discussion on an Indian sports channel.

 

Speaking about the T20 World Cup controversy involving Bangladesh's refusal to play in India, Gupta had striking comments about Naqvi's approach to cricket administration.

 

"Pakistan is currently saying, 'I am the gangster of this street, I will decide, and I will bring down Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with two votes from Bangladesh and Pakistan.' For the first time, someone from PCB has come, I have to give it to him, who is saying, 'We will look you in the eye and fight,' and that person is not backing down," Gupta said during the discussion.

 

 

The journalist revealed that Naqvi has ordered the Pakistan cricket team to halt preparations for the T20 World Cup entirely amid the unresolved Bangladesh situation.

 

Gupta then contrasted this with BCCI's approach, pointing to recent controversies. "On the other hand, these people wear ties and go to watch matches. They are very fond of watching matches. BCCI, what are they doing? Players are told not to shake hands," he questioned, referencing the Asia Cup 2025 incident when India refused to shake hands with Pakistani players and closed their dressing room doors after winning to avoid greetings from their rivals.

 

The controversy began when BCCI removed Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after Hindutva extremists threatened to attack Bangladeshi players. 

 

The activists also labeled Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan a traitor for signing the left-arm bowler.

 

Bangladesh responded by banning IPL broadcasts in the country. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

 

The ICC previously accepted security concerns as valid grounds when India refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, and Bangladesh argues similar reasoning should apply now. 

 

Bangladesh has three matches scheduled in Kolkata and one in Mumbai for the upcoming tournament.

 

However, no decision has been made yet on Bangladesh's participation.

 

Pakistan has reportedly thrown its full support behind Bangladesh's decision to skip T20 World Cup matches in India, offering to take up the matter with the ICC if needed.

 

According to reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has ordered a complete halt to Pakistan's preparations for the tournament.

 

Reports citing sources claimed that the PCB chief has told team management to wait for further instructions and prepare a contingency plan in case the country does not participate in the World Cup.

 

Pakistan has also expressed interest in hosting Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches after the team refused to travel to India for the tournament, according to reports.