When Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board and president of the Asian Cricket Council, posted a video of Cristiano Ronaldo mimicking an airplane celebration, the cricket world erupted. The clip, uploaded at 11:00 PM Dubai time on September 28 2025, seemed to echo a controversial gesture made earlier by Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf against India. By the time the final of the Asia Cup 2025 concluded – with India beating Pakistan by five wickets to claim a record‑extending ninth title – the stage was set for a showdown far beyond the boundary ropes.
Background: India‑Pakistan rivalry and the 2025 Asia Cup
The rivalry between the two neighbours has always been more than just sport; it’s a barometer of political tension. The 2025 edition, staged at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, featured eleven matches, three of which were marred by on‑field flashpoints. On September 14, India’s opening victory over Pakistan sparked a heated exchange after Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi allegedly celebrated with a hand‑gesture that the International Cricket Council (ICC) later described as “potentially provocative”. Both Rauf and fellow pacer Sahibzada Farhan were fined, and the incident fed a narrative of ‘sporting aggression’ that Naqvi seemed keen to amplify.
The flashpoint: Naqvi’s social media posts and the Ronaldo video
At 11:00 PM Dubai time, Naqvi posted a short clip on X (formerly Twitter) showing Ronaldo’s iconic airplane celebration after a goal. The caption read, “When they say we can’t fly, we show them we can.” For many Indian fans, the timing was unmistakable – it mirrored Rauf’s earlier mimicry of a crashing plane, a reference to Pakistani claims that six Indian jets were downed in the so‑called ‘Operation Sindoor’ after the Pahalgam terror attack. The video stayed online for more than two hours, accumulating over 12,000 retweets and a flood of criticism.
Cricket analyst Mubashir H. Khan told PTI, “Naqvi’s post turned a sporting controversy into a political headline. It wasn’t about cricket anymore; it was about national narratives.” The post also coincided with a leaked memo, allegedly from Naqvi, urging Pakistani players to “fight” the Indians and promising, “Do whatever you want; I’ll handle it.” While the memo’s authenticity can’t be verified, the sentiment fed the growing perception that the PCB chief was weaponising sport.
Chaos at the trophy presentation
When the final whistle blew, India’s captain Rohit Sharma and his teammates began their customary lap of honour. The ceremonial podium, however, turned into a standoff. The BCCI team, adhering to a “No Handshake” policy that had been in effect throughout the tournament, refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. “We will receive the cup from a neutral dignitary, not from a person who has stoked tensions,” a senior BCCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.
Inside the stadium, Indian supporters booed while chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” The atmosphere grew tense as Naqvi stood on the dais, clutching the silver cup. For roughly an hour, the Pakistani squad remained off‑stage, a silent testament to the discord. Organisers eventually called on Dubai Sports City’s Khalid Al Zarooni to present the trophy, but the Indian camp steadfastly declined any interaction involving Naqvi. In an unprecedented move, Naqvi allegedly lifted the trophy and walked away, prompting a scramble by security staff to whisk it into a dressing‑room.
Reactions from boards, players and officials
The fallout was immediate. The BCCI lodged an “official protest” through its legal team, stating it would seek Naqvi’s removal as ACC president if the incident was not rectified. Meanwhile, the ICC released a brief statement urging “all parties to separate sport from political rhetoric.” Former Pakistani captain Saeed Anwar expressed disappointment, noting, “Cricket should unite, not divide. What happened at the podium undermines the spirit of the game.”
- September 14 2025 – India beats Pakistan; post‑match friction erupts.
- September 21 2025 – Rauf’s airplane gesture leads to ICC warning.
- September 28 2025 – Naqvi posts Ronaldo video; trophy ceremony collapses.
Even Pakistan’s interior ministry, where Naqvi also serves as minister, distanced itself, stating that his “personal social‑media activity should not be conflated with state policy.” Yet critics argue the dual role magnifies the conflict‑of‑interest concerns.
What this means for Asian cricket governance
The incident shines a harsh light on the governance structure of Asian cricket. The ACC, historically a body meant to promote the game across the sub‑continent, now finds its president embroiled in a diplomatic scandal. Cricket commentator Syed Ali Raza warned, “If the board does not act, we risk a permanent rift that could affect future tournaments, broadcast rights, and player safety.”
Potential ramifications include:
- A formal motion at the next ACC meeting to replace Naqvi.
- Re‑evaluation of the trophy‑presentation protocol to ensure neutral dignitaries are used in politically sensitive matches.
- Heightened scrutiny from the ICC, which may consider sanctions if member boards are seen to be politicising the sport.
For now, the immediate question is whether the BCCI will push for an emergency extraordinary council meeting. If successful, the move could set a precedent for how sporting bodies handle political interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the trophy presentation affect India‑Pakistan cricket relations?
The standoff deepened mistrust between the boards. India’s refusal to receive the cup from Naqvi reinforced a “no‑handshake” stance, while Pakistan’s leadership defended the chief’s actions, leaving both sides at an impasse that could jeopardise future bilateral series.
What led Mohsin Naqvi to post the Ronaldo video?
Analysts believe the post was a calculated response to earlier Pakistani player gestures and a nod to domestic political narratives about Indian military setbacks. By referencing a global football star, Naqvi amplified the message to a broader, non‑cricket audience.
Who are the key organisations involved in the controversy?
The primary bodies are the Pakistan Cricket Board, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Asian Cricket Council, and the International Cricket Council. Each has issued statements or taken steps in response to the incident.
What are the possible next steps for the ACC?
The ACC could convene an emergency meeting to vote on Naqvi’s removal or impose a temporary suspension. Alternatively, they might restructure the trophy‑presentation process to involve neutral officials, aiming to prevent future diplomatic flare‑ups.
How might this incident impact future Asia Cup tournaments?
Future editions may see stricter protocols around ceremony logistics, heightened security, and possibly a neutral venue for Indo‑Pak finals. Sponsorship and broadcast partners are also closely watching, as political volatility can affect commercial agreements.
