Bhubaneswar, Feb. 16 -- Pakistan's crushing 61-run loss to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium has triggered more than just cricketing concerns. It has opened up a debate over off-field interference and its possible impact on the team's mindset before the high-stakes encounter.

In the build-up to the marquee clash, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the squad in the dressing room shortly before the toss. The timing of the visit has since come under scrutiny, with critics questioning whether such an interaction, ahead of a pressure-laden India fixture, may have unintentionally added to the players' mental burden.

Addressing the issue after the match, head coach Mike Hesson dismissed suggestions...