Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is preparing to counter any objections raised by India during the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting in Dubai, sources told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
According to insiders, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to question several issues linked to Naqvi’s conduct during the recent Asia Cup, as well as his dual role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, which they allege breaches ICC governance regulations.
Trophy Row Triggers Diplomatic Tension
Sources said the BCCI plans to highlight the Asia Cup trophy controversy, after India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to receive the winner’s trophy from Naqvi in Dubai on September 28.
India had beaten Pakistan by seven wickets in the final – their third victory over the arch-rivals in the tournament – but the presentation ceremony turned awkward when Suryakumar declined to accept the trophy from the PCB chief, reportedly in protest against recent military tensions between the two nations.
No Handshake, Political Gestures Mar Tournament
The Asia Cup had already been clouded by a “no-handshake” episode when Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following the terror attack in Pahalgam on the Indian side of Kashmir in April.
Adding to the tension, the PCB lodged an official protest after Suryakumar made a political statement post-match, while Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf drew criticism for a provocative ‘6-0’ gesture towards Indian fans and for mimicking a falling aircraft – a reference to the downing of Indian planes by Pakistan’s Air Force in the past.
The BCCI, sources confirmed, has compiled a list of charges against Naqvi and intends to challenge his eligibility to hold dual public and sporting offices.
Complicating matters further, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is reportedly backing India’s position. Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan soured after a recent military strike allegedly killed three Afghan domestic players, prompting Afghanistan to withdraw from a tri-series in Pakistan.
Afghanistan will support India’s stance, demanding Naqvi relinquish one of his posts. But Naqvi is unlikely to back down.
Naqvi Confident, Seeks Legal Validation
Despite mounting pressure, Naqvi remains defiant. He is expected to attend the ICC Board meeting on November 7, barring a scheduling conflict with an important Senate session in Islamabad.
Naqvi acted within his rights as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, under whose authority the Asia Cup was organised: He has also taken legal advice to strengthen his case before the ICC.
As a senator himself, Naqvi may have to prioritise the Senate’s constitutional amendment debate on November 6 or 7, which could overlap with the ICC sessions.
What’s On The ICC Agenda
The ICC meetings, which began on Tuesday, will run for a week, covering topics including finance, scheduling, and development programmes for Associate Members.
The CEO meetings are slated for November 5 and 6, ahead of the full Board gathering. Meanwhile, preparations are under way for the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the Junior World Cup, to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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