The Indian cricket team may reportedly refuse to share podium with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi if they qualify for the Asia Cup 2025 final and go on to win the tournament.
According to Indian media reports, if India qualify for the September 28 final, players are expected to decline standing alongside the Asian Cricket Council President Naqvi, who is also Chairman of PCB.
Naqvi, as ACC head, is scheduled to present the winner’s trophy and medals. However, Indian cricketers are said to be firm about avoiding public contact with him at the event.
The issue stems from Sunday’s group-stage clash, where Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates did not shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha after securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
READ: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup controversy: Here’s everything you need to know
Tensions deepened when Agha skipped the post-match press conference, while Yadav dedicated the win to India’s armed forces and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, drawing a clear political undertone to proceedings.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson later confirmed Agha’s absence was linked to the actions of Indian players. The PCB subsequently raised concerns with the ACC and demanded International Cricket Council (ICC) involvement over the unfolding dispute.
