Naqvi Again at Center of Asia Cup Controversy

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has become a hot topic again as the women’s Asia Cup nears its end in the UAE. This comes just over a year after he was involved in a major controversy during the men’s Asia Cup in Dubai.

At that time, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, was supposed to present the trophy to India after their victory in the final. However, the Indian team refused to accept it from him following tensions between the two countries, which were already high due to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Naqvi, known for his anti-India statements on social media during the men’s tournament, kept the trophy at ACC headquarters in Dubai despite repeated requests from BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to return it. Now, with the women’s Asia Cup set to conclude on September 13, Naqvi is expected to attend the closing ceremony. If India wins the title, attention will again focus on him and how BCCI handles the trophy presentation.

India has dominated the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 so far. They defeated Thailand by 94 runs and Hong Kong by an innings and 137 runs, with Smriti Mandhana scoring a record-breaking century. In their most recent match, India demolished Pakistan by seven wickets, bundling them out for just 55 runs.

In the semifinals, India will face either Bangladesh or UAE on September 10. Sri Lanka has already qualified as Group B winners. The final will be held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14.