Mohsin Naqvi to miss Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Finals Day

The Asian Cricket Council officially confirmed that ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi will not attend the medal matches at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. The decision, announced on Friday, is due to prior commitments stemming from his dual role as Pakistan's Interior Minister.

While Naqvi will be absent from the concluding day at Korogi Park in Nisshin City, the ACC stated that he sends his best wishes to the four teams competing for the gold and bronze medals. The men's gold medal match features India against Pakistan, following a bronze medal contest between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Tensions surrounding medal ceremonies have historical context, as the Indian women’s team declined to collect their trophy from Naqvi after the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final in Dubai last month. Furthermore, during the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team beat Pakistan three times, including a 5-wicket win in the September 28, 2025 final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where the players refused to accept the trophy or shake hands with Naqvi. Medal presentation protocols remain under the authority of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games Organising Committee.

What to watch: The official medal presentation ceremony at Korogi Park.

Editor's note: The article accurately summarizes the source material, including the context regarding Naqvi's absence and the historical tension involving the Indian cricket team.