Who is Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC chief from whom India refused to receive Asia Cup trophy?

Who is Mohsin Naqvi: India defeated Pakistan in a final-over finish to win the Asia Cup but the post-match ceremony ended without a trophy presentation. The delay stretched for over an hour as Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who insisted he would hand it over. The players were ready to receive it from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but eventually officials took away the trophy.

The refusal followed followed Naqvi’s reposting of images on X, including one titled ‘Final Day’ in which Pakistan cricketers, including captain Salman Agha and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, are seen wearing flight suits with images of airborne fighter jets in the background. Earlier during the tournament, Naqvi had posted a picture of Cristiano Ronaldo depicting a crashing plane.

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Who is Mohsin Naqvi?

The chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) since February 2024, Mohsin Naqvi was elected president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a two-year term in April this year. He succeeded Shammi Silva, the head of Sri Lanka Cricket. Naqvi said Asia remained central to global cricket and pledged to expand the sport across the continent.

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As the PCB chief, Naqvi supervised stadium renovations in Pakistan and the country’s hosting of the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model.

Naqvi served as the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab province from January 2023 to February 2024. Naqvi was also sworn in as Pakistan’s Interior Minister in March 2024 and has been holding the post ever since.

Naqvi, who was one of the two candidates suggested by Hamza Shehbaz, is the owner of a media house and said to be very close to PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari, reported Dawn.