Mohsin Naqvi's explosive message: 'Do whatever you want, I'll handle it' to Pakistan players vs India

ACC Photo

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated tensions ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, set for Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Reports suggest that the PCB, led by Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has given its players a free hand to take an aggressive approach against Indian players during and after the final. According to Pakistani media, Naqvi allegedly instructed the national team to “fight” Indian players, assuring them that the board would handle any consequences.

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final: The FIRST will be a very tense clash between arch-rivals

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This follows controversial incidents in the Super Four clash, where players like Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Sahibzada Farhan crossed the line in their conduct against India. Also See: IND vs PAK Live Score Asia Cup 2025 Final Both Rauf and Farhan were fined and warned by the ICC for their gestures, but reports indicate that the PCB now fully backs its players, heightening the stakes of the final. Pakistani journalist Qadir Khawaja quoted Naqvi saying, “Do whatever you want; I’ll handle it.” Naqvi’s presence at the final adds another layer of intrigue. As ACC chairman, he is expected to oversee the post-match trophy presentation, including the customary handshake with both teams. While a board chief attending a match is standard, his dual role as PCB head and outspoken critic of India could lead to controversy. The Indian team, maintaining a “No Handshake” policy with Pakistan, is unlikely to engage with Naqvi, though the BCCI has not publicly clarified its stance. Naqvi has previously stirred disputes during the tournament. He reportedly pressured the PCB to accuse match referee Andy Pycroft of restricting exchanges of pleasantries after India’s September 14 game, a claim rejected by the ICC. He also sought a ban on India skipper Suryakumar Yadav over a Level 4 charge after Yadav dedicated India’s win to the nation’s armed forces and expressed solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Adding to the tension, Naqvi has posted cryptic videos on X, including a Cristiano Ronaldo goal celebration depicting a plane crash — mirroring gestures made by Haris Rauf during India’s September 21 game, which had led to fines. With tensions at an all-time high, the Asia Cup 2025 final is shaping up to be more than just a cricket match. The presence of Naqvi, coupled with PCB backing of its players, ensures that both on-field and off-field drama will dominate the headline-grabbing clash. Fans will keenly watch not only the cricketing battle but also the unfolding political and administrative confrontations between the two boards.

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