PCB chief Naqvi skips India-Pakistan Asian Games final over prior commitments
Mohsin Naqvi missed the India-Pakistan Asian Games final due to prior commitments amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not attend the Asian Games men's cricket gold medal match between India and Pakistan. The Asian Cricket Council confirmed his absence on social media platform X and cited prior commitments. Naqvi also serves as ACC president.
Diplomatic strains between India and Pakistan have affected cricket relations in recent years. The BCCI has refused to accept Asia Cup trophies from Naqvi in the past. Naqvi has maintained that India must collect the trophies from him if required.
India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the final at Nisshin on Saturday. The absence allowed organisers to avoid a potentially difficult situation at the match venue.
CricHubb Take
Naqvi's absence removes one source of friction from bilateral cricket diplomacy. It also leaves unresolved the question of how future ACC events will handle trophy presentations involving the two boards.