A significant diplomatic stir followed India’s five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, as the Indian cricket team reportedly refused to accept the coveted trophy from Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.
Reports indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously communicated its decision to the ACC that the team would not receive the trophy from Naqvi, citing his strong anti-India stance. This incident unfolded approximately 90 minutes after India’s triumph, as players celebrated on the field with their families, including captain Suryakumar Yadav’s wife and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s family. Despite Naqvi and other ACC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials waiting on stage, the Indian team maintained its consistent tournament policy of avoiding handshakes with Pakistani counterparts.
Unveiling Mohsin Naqvi: A Profile
Born in Lahore on October 28, 1978, Mohsin Naqvi’s journey began with education at Crescent Model Higher Secondary School and Government College University, followed by journalism studies at Ohio University in the United States. He launched his career with an internship at CNN before establishing the prominent City Media Group in Pakistan.
Naqvi’s entry into the cricketing administration was marked by his appointment to the PCB governing board by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar on January 22, 2024. He was subsequently elected unopposed as the 37th PCB chairman on February 6, 2024. This appointment drew criticism, particularly because he had previously served as caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab and lacked a professional background in cricket.
Beyond his professional and political roles, Naqvi is also connected to one of Pakistan’s influential political families. He is married to Warda Ashraf, daughter of the late SSP Ashraf Marth and niece of former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi. The couple shares a family of four children—three daughters and one son.