PCB Chairman Unlikely to Attend IPL Final Despite Invitation

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is unlikely to travel to India after reports claimed he had been invited to attend the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) final scheduled for May 31 in Ahmedabad.

According to an international cricket news report, the invitation extended to Naqvi is related to upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings rather than the IPL final itself.

The clarification comes after speculation over a possible visit by Naqvi to India, where the IPL 2026 final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Sources said Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, is expected to attend the ICC discussions virtually instead of traveling in person.

The ICC is scheduled to hold a series of meetings in Ahmedabad, including the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) meeting on May 21, followed by ICC Board meetings on May 30 and 31.

The timing of the meetings alongside the IPL final led to speculation about possible high-level cricket diplomacy between officials from different countries.

However, reports stated that the CEC meeting will be conducted virtually and will not include discussions related to men’s cricket. The agenda is expected to focus mainly on women’s cricket and commercial matters, including data monetization and mobile gaming opportunities.

The proposed restructuring of the World Test Championship (WTC) is also not expected to be discussed during the CEC meeting. Any major decisions on the issue are likely to be addressed during the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad.

A working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose has reportedly recommended expanding the WTC from nine to 12 teams by adding Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The proposal also suggests including one-off Test matches in the WTC points system.

Concerns have reportedly been raised over competitive balance in the proposed structure, particularly regarding the percentage-based points system. Critics believe the system could favor teams that play fewer but easier fixtures, creating doubts over whether the expansion plan will be approved.

Separately, the ICC has reportedly hired consultancy firm Oliver Wyman to explore strategies related to data monetization. The governing body is also expected to discuss opportunities in mobile gaming as part of its wider commercial growth plans.

Discussions have also become more sensitive because of the involvement of the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), with several Full Member and Associate nations linked to the organization.

Meanwhile, an ICC delegation has traveled to Sri Lanka to review governance changes within Sri Lanka Cricket following recent administrative restructuring under a special sports act.

ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia were expected to meet Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss reforms within the country’s cricket structure.

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