The Indian cricket side is said to be not willing to share the presentation arena with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi in case they make it to the Asia Cup 2025 final, PTI has stated.
Naqvi, also the Interior and Narcotics Control Minister of Pakistan, is the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President at present. Traditionally, the ACC chief gives out the trophy and awards to the winners, but the Indian players have reportedly indicated that they do not wish to stand next to him—following their refusal to shake hands with Pakistan's players.
"It is reliably learnt that if India make the tournament's final on September 28, the players won't be sharing the presentation dais with Naqvi, who is expected to hand over the winner's trophy as ACC head."
The tension arises from Sunday's group-stage encounter between India and Pakistan, where captain Suryakumar Yadav deliberately shunned a hand-shake with his counterpart Salman Ali Agha. Even though India won convincingly by 7 wickets, the team promptly left for the dressing room rather than sharing post-match civilities with the Pakistan side.
The issue was escalated further during the press conference. As Yadav showed up and dedicated the victory to the armed forces, also showing solidarity with victims of the terror attack at Pahalgam, Agha avoided the interaction altogether. Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson subsequently confirmed that the no-handshake debate had been the cause of his captain's absence.
"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup," Naqvi said on 'X'.
