Mohsin Naqvi confirmed to present the Asia Cup 2025 trophy; Will India accept?
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is set to present the trophy following the final of the Asia Cup 2025. The much-anticipated summit clash will see arch-rivals India and Pakistan face off on Sunday, September 28. As the head of the ACC, Naqvi will play a key role in the post-match presentation ceremony, including the customary duties of handing over the trophy and engaging in handshakes with players and officials. However, with the recent “handshake controversy” making headlines, all eyes will be on the Indian cricket team’s conduct during the ceremony.
So far, there has been no official statement from the BCCI or the team management regarding how they intend to approach the situation. The political undertones surrounding India-Pakistan cricket have already resulted in an 'invisible boycott' by Indian officials, who have stayed away from Pakistan-related fixtures throughout the tournament. Whether this policy will extend to the post-match interactions remains to be seen. Regardless, Naqvi, in his official capacity as ACC President, is fully entitled to participate in the ceremony and fulfill his role, making for a potentially tense but closely watched moment at the tournament’s conclusion.
Given the current stance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, it appears highly unlikely that Indian players will be permitted to engage with ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the post-match presentation. Naqvi has made several public statements perceived as anti-India, particularly following the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam, which has further strained relations. While the BCCI has not issued any formal directive yet regarding player conduct at the ceremony, it is widely speculated that internal instructions could be communicated to the team ahead of the final. With diplomatic sensitivities running high, the board is expected to proceed cautiously, especially in the public and televised moments following the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash.
"As of now, information is that he would come this evening and obviously as ACC chairman, he will be giving away the winner's trophy. Let's see what the BCCI decides," a tournament insider was quoted as saying.
For those unaware, Asian Cricket Council President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board against match referee Andy Pycroft. The complaint stemmed from Pycroft's decision to prohibit the customary exchange of pleasantries—such as handshakes—between the Indian and Pakistani captains during the toss and after their group-stage clash. The PCB viewed this as an unnecessary interference and took strong objection to it.
The issue escalated when the PCB sent two separate letters demanding Pycroft’s removal from the tournament. However, after careful review, the ICC firmly rejected the request, backing the match referee’s decision. The global governing body clarified that Pycroft had acted in the best interest of the game, preventing a potentially uncomfortable moment for both captains amid heightened political tensions.
Meanwhile, on the field, India will look to continue their dominance over Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Having already defeated their arch-rivals twice at the same venue—first by seven wickets in the group stage and then by six wickets in the Super Fours—India will aim to complete a clean sweep with a third straight win in Sunday’s high-stakes final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
