Who is Mohsin Naqvi, the man who walked away with India’s Asia Cup trophy

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi faced an embarrassing moment at the Asia Cup final on September 29, 2025, when Indian players refused to accept the trophy from him. The decision, made in advance by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was a protest against Naqvi’s alleged anti-India stance. Despite being advised that an alternative official should present the award, Naqvi attempted to proceed with the ceremony. When the Indian team declined, he reportedly walked out of the stadium with the silverware. The BCCI has said it will raise a strong protest against him at the upcoming ICC meeting.

Who is Mohsin Naqvi?

Naqvi, born in Lahore on October 28, 1978, has had a diverse career spanning journalism, media, politics, and now cricket administration. A graduate of Government College University, Lahore, he later earned a journalism degree from Ohio University in the United States. He began his career at CNN, eventually becoming South Asia regional head after the September 11 attacks. In 2009, he launched City News Network, starting with C42 (later City 42), which grew into a prominent media group.

Naqvi’s political breakthrough came through close ties with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari. He was appointed caretaker chief minister of Punjab between January 2023 and February 2024, before joining the PCB governing board. In February 2024, he was named the board’s 37th chairman. Under his leadership, PCB focused on stadium upgrades and a hybrid hosting model for the Champions Trophy. A year later, in April 2025, he was elected ACC president, pledging to grow the game across Asia.


Naqvi’s career has been marked by repeated controversies. In 2009, he was accused of taking bribes in connection with a major fraud case involving Haris Steel Mills, though no conviction followed. During his tenure as Punjab’s caretaker chief minister, he was accused of election irregularities. His wife, Warda, also featured in the “Dubai Leaks” for offshore property holdings, which Naqvi defended as legitimate and taxed.

His public image has also been dented by provocative social media activity. He faced backlash for sharing videos mocking India during the Asia Cup, drawing condemnation from analysts and former players. Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie reportedly criticised him earlier this year for skipping team-building sessions despite his senior role in the PCB.