Asian Games: Mohsin Naqvi to not attend India vs Pakistan men's cricket final

The India-Pakistan Asian Games final will be played without Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi in attendance, with the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman set to miss Saturday's gold medal clash in Japan due to prior commitments.

Naqvi's decision to stay away comes against the backdrop of the ongoing stand-off between him and the BCCI over trophy presentations involving Indian teams. The two sides have been at odds since India's refusal to accept Asia Cup trophies from Naqvi during the 2025 men's tournament and the 2026 women's edition.

The ACC confirmed Naqvi's absence from Finals Day in a post on X.

"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.

Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister, sent his best wishes to the four teams competing for medals in Nagoya.

"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.

India will face Pakistan for the men's cricket gold medal at Korogi Park in Nisshin City on Saturday. Naqvi's absence means he will not be involved in the official presentation ceremony should either team win gold.

Indian teams did not accept their Asia Cup trophies from Naqvi during the 2025 men's tournament and the 2026 women's edition.

The BCCI had asked the ACC to allow Naqvi's deputy to present the trophy, but the request was not accepted. Naqvi, on his part, has maintained that if India wants the Asia Cup trophies, they will have to collect them from him.

The stand-off had raised questions over what would happen if India and Pakistan met in the Asian Games final, particularly with Naqvi serving as the head of the continental cricket body.

The Indian men's and women's teams have also expressed their support for the Indian defence forces during the Asia Cup tournaments following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.

With Naqvi not travelling to Nagoya for Finals Day, the Olympic Council of Asia, local organisers and the Indian Olympic Association will oversee the medal ceremony.- Ends