Naqvi to miss final day in Nagoya
Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi will not travel to Japan for the Asian Games 2026 cricket final, the ACC announced. The council said Naqvi could not make the trip because of prior commitments. The gold medal match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for Saturday at Korogi Park in Nisshin city, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh meeting earlier for bronze. Naqvi extended his best wishes to all four competing teams and said he expected an exciting contest.[S1][S2][S3]
Naqvi holds several positions: he chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board and serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister. The ACC statement said he would be unable to attend Finals Day, and he conveyed his hopes that the medal-winning sides would succeed. According to the ACC's official media handle on X, Naqvi said commitments would keep him away from Nagoya but that he looked forward to thrilling action.[S1][S2][S3]
Diplomatic friction avoided
Naqvi has been a contentious figure for the BCCI. Indian men's and women's cricket teams previously refused to accept Asia Cup trophies from him, protesting while expressing support for Indian defence forces involved in Operation Sindoor after civilians were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack last year. The BCCI had asked the ACC to let Naqvi's deputy present the trophies, but he declined. His absence in Nagoya means the Olympic Council of Asia, local organisers, and the Indian Olympic Association can avoid a potentially volatile situation during the medal ceremony.[S3]
