Mohsin Naqvi to Miss India-Pakistan Asian Games Final
Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi will not attend Saturday’s highly anticipated Asian Games cricket final between India and Pakistan at Korogi Park in Nisshin, Japan.
The ACC confirmed Naqvi’s absence on Friday, citing prior commitments. His decision comes amid ongoing tensions between the BCCI and Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
Naqvi Confirms Absence From Finals Day
“ACC President, Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, will miss Finals Day at Asian Games 2026 due to prior commitments, but sends his very best wishes to all four teams ahead of the Gold and Bronze Medal Matches,” the ACC said on its official X handle.
Naqvi also conveyed his wishes to the participating teams.
“Wishing all the participants the very best ahead of gold and bronze medal matches at the Asian Games 2026. Commitments will keep me away from Nagoya. But I will be looking forward to some thrilling action,” he was quoted as saying in the post.
BCCI-Naqvi Trophy Dispute
The BCCI has maintained that its teams will not accept trophies from Naqvi. Indian men’s and women’s teams previously declined to receive their Asia Cup trophies from him.
The stance followed India’s expression of support for its defence forces involved in Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack.
During the 2025 men’s Asia Cup and the 2026 women’s edition, the Indian teams left without accepting the trophy from Naqvi. The BCCI had asked the ACC to allow its deputy to present the trophy, but the request was not accepted.
Naqvi has maintained that if India wants to collect its Asia Cup trophies, they must receive them from him.
Naqvi Absence Removes Medal Ceremony Question
Naqvi’s absence from Saturday’s Asian Games final also removes questions over his possible involvement in the official medal ceremony.
With the ACC president not attending, the Olympic Council of Asia, local organisers and the Indian Olympic Association will not have to address the possibility of Naqvi presenting medals or the trophy following the India-Pakistan contest.
