India and Pakistan are set to square off against each other for the third time in the ongoing Asia Cup on Sunday. The grand finale will see arch-rivals fighting for the title, for the first time in 41
years. But most importantly, it would be interesting to see how the Indian team responds to his presence at the post-match trophy ceremony.
As the head of the continental body, Naqvi will be well within his rights to present the trophy and also engage in a customary handshake with both squads. With the Indian team maintaining a ‘No Handshake’ Policy with Pakistan, it is highly unlikely that BCCI will allow its players to engage with a PCB chief whose public stance has been anti-India.
However, the BCCI has yet to clarify its position. Tensions between the boards have already flared during this tournament.
“As of now, information is that he would come this evening and obviously as ACC chairman, he will be giving away the winner’s trophy. Let’s see what the BCCI decides,” a tournament insider was quoted as saying by PTI.
Earlier, on Naqvi’s insistence, the PCB accused match referee Andy Pycroft of banning handshakes after India’s September 14 win—an allegation dismissed by the ICC. Reports also claim Naqvi sought a ban on India captain Suryakumar Yadav, filing Level 4 charges after Yadav dedicated a victory to the armed forces and expressed solidarity with families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims.
Naqvi has twice posted a cryptic video message on social media in the past few days – a Cristiano Ronaldo goal celebration depicting a plane crash. It’s the same gesture that controversial pacer Haris Rauf made repeatedly in the September 21 game against India, leading to a fine on him.
(With PTI Inputs)
