Subhechcha Ganguly 
Just hours before Pakistan confirmed its participation in the highly anticipated T20 World Cup match against India scheduled for Feb 15, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi sparked fresh controversy by invoking the name of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, at a press briefing.
In remarks that added a political undertone to the cricket diplomacy deadlock, Naqvi asserted that neither he nor the government was “intimidated” by pressure from the International Cricket Council (ICC) or India — adding that Asim Munir, known for his staunch leadership, “never gets afraid.”
The reference to Munir, a central figure in Pakistan’s military leadership, drew attention because it blurred lines between sporting disputes and state-level signaling, analysts said, especially given months of diplomatic tension following regional hostilities and negotiations over Pakistan’s initial reluctance to play India in the landmark fixture.
After weeks of back-and-forth — including boycott threats and mediation efforts involving the ICC and other cricket boards — Pakistan reversed course and agreed to face India in Colombo. Officials said the decision came after high-level consultations and emphasised protecting the spirit and continuity of international cricket.
The episode reflects how the India–Pakistan cricket rivalry continues to play out not just on the field but also amid broader political sensitivities — with figures from outside the sport, such as Munir, increasingly drawn into public discourse.
