Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is drawing backlash on social media after claiming India face a severe fuel crisis with long petrol queues while insisting Pakistan's situation is better.
His comments coincided with Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 matches being played behind closed doors due to serious fuel shortages and security issues in Pakistan, caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Fuel prices in the nation have surged by over 40%, with electricity tariffs also rising.
Fuel prices in Pakistan have experienced a severe surge, with petrol increasing by approximately 43% and diesel by roughly 55% in addition to rising electricity tariffs.
Contrary to the claim, fuel prices in India have been stable and there is no such availability crisis. However, Naqvi alleged that long queues for fuel exist at petrol pumps in India.
Addressing the media after a PSL game, Naqvi defended the continuation of closed-door games in the ongoing PSL and spoke about the possibility of allowing fans back into the stadiums.
“Today I discussed with PSL team owners and PSL teams. Even Karachi (Kings) have requested, so I will meet the PM and request him again about what is possible, but we need to understand what the scenario is in the world, the oil crisis," Naqvi said.
“We have been working towards peace. We hope to have peace soon. The PM is also working towards that. We have a different stance. There is an oil crisis in India and there are long queues at petrol pumps in India," he added.
Social media users highlighted the irony of his statement, noting that unlike the situation in Pakistan, the IPL 2026 is operating with jam-packed, full-capacity crowds across India.
