Speaking at a press conference in Lahore after the auction of the PSL franchise Multan, Naqvi said Pakistan believes in respecting guests. ‘When a guest walks into your home, you treat them with respect, and you forget many things,’ he remarked, signaling a softer tone amid rising tensions.

Naqvi confirmed that discussions with the ICC are still in progress. ‘Things are moving with the ICC. I am also waiting. When we receive an official response, we will share it. Right now, it would be too early to say anything,’ he said.

He added that several countries have approached Pakistan at a very high level. ‘Many friendly nations have contacted us. We have clearly explained our point of view,’ the PCB chairman stated.

Responding to a question, Naqvi said he does not fear pressure from any side. ‘I am not afraid of anyone not the government, not authority, and not even a field marshal,’ he said firmly.

Meanwhile, the final decision on whether Pakistan will play India in the ICC T20 World Cup rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Sources say Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet the prime minister today to brief him on recent talks with the ICC delegation.

According to sources, the ICC’s deputy chairman visited Lahore a day earlier to formally request Pakistan to reconsider playing the match. During the meeting, a possible formula was discussed involving the ICC, PCB, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to address what was described as unfair treatment of Bangladesh.

Pakistan had earlier announced it would not play India in the World Cup as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh. Bangladesh had raised security concerns in India and requested that its World Cup matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. The ICC rejected the request and instead replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament.

In response, Pakistan refused to play its scheduled match against India on February 15. Sources warn that if the Pakistan-India clash does not take place, the ICC could face heavy financial losses, as the fixture is considered the biggest commercial draw of the tournament.

For now, all eyes remain on Islamabad, where a political decision may shape the future of cricket’s most watched rivalry.