India vs Pakistan: Mohsin Naqvi comes up with a cryptic response to Pakistan skipping the press conference - WATCH
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi made an unexpected appearance at the ICC Academy in Dubai, where the Pakistan team was training ahead of their crucial Super 4 clash against India. Naqvi, who also currently serves as the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), surprised many with his visit, adding to the buzz surrounding the high-voltage fixture. His presence wasn’t merely ceremonial. Naqvi was seen engaging in a serious and animated discussion with Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson. While the exact nature of their conversation remains undisclosed, it clearly indicated the importance of the moment, especially amid the off-field controversies that have surrounded the team in recent days.
As reporters gathered at the venue, Naqvi was questioned about Pakistan’s decision to skip the mandatory pre-match press conference—a move seen as part of their ongoing protest following the handshake controversy with India. In response, Naqvi offered a brief but telling remark: “We’ll talk soon,” suggesting that an official statement from the PCB regarding the situation may be made public on Sunday, ahead of the blockbuster match.
#WATCH | Dubai, UAE | On being asked why the Pakistan team is not holding a press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi says, "... We'll talk soon." pic.twitter.com/ikqwlzZbfT
— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025
Incidentally, a Pakistan player or a member of the coaching staff was scheduled to address the media at 6 PM (local time) on Saturday, ahead of their high-profile Super 4 clash against India. The team was also set to begin a three-hour training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai at the same time. However, while the training session will go ahead as planned, the press conference was abruptly cancelled.
The reason behind the last-minute decision remains unclear, adding further mystery to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the Pakistan camp. Notably, this marks the second consecutive game where Pakistan has opted out of fulfilling customary pre-match media duties. Earlier this week, they also skipped the press conference ahead of their must-win game against the UAE, amid ongoing tensions related to the handshake controversy and their complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft. The silence from the PCB continues to raise eyebrows.
The latest development adds another layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere surrounding the India-Pakistan Super Four clash in the Asia Cup 2025. Andy Pycroft, who found himself at the center of the much-talked-about handshake controversy during the India-Pakistan group stage encounter on September 14, has once again been appointed as the match referee for their high-stakes Super Four fixture on Sunday in Dubai. Pycroft had also officiated Pakistan's final group match against the UAE, and his continued presence in back-to-back matches involving Pakistan has not gone down well with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The board had formally sought Pycroft’s immediate removal following their crushing 7-wicket loss to India. The PCB alleged that Pycroft had played a controversial role during the toss, claiming that he advised both captains—Salman Ali Agha of Pakistan and Suryakumar Yadav of India—not to shake hands before the match, which later escalated into a wider diplomatic and sporting issue. Despite lodging multiple complaints, the ICC rejected Pakistan’s demands and reappointed Pycroft for the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash. His presence on the field for yet another heated showdown is expected to keep tensions high, as questions over bias and officiating remain unresolved heading into the marquee game.
