Will Political Turmoil Keep PCB Chairman from ICC Meeting Over Asia Cup Trophy?

Political Hurdles for PCB Chairman

Karachi: The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, may not be able to attend the ICC Executive Board meeting in Dubai due to ongoing domestic political challenges. This meeting is crucial as the BCCI plans to address the issue of the Asia Cup trophy that was not presented to India.

The four-day meeting commenced on Tuesday, and Naqvi, who also leads the Asian Cricket Council, is expected to face criticism from the BCCI for the trophy's absence. The Indian players reportedly declined to accept the trophy from him due to his previous anti-India remarks.

While the specific political issues hindering Naqvi's attendance remain unclear, it is known that he also serves as the interior minister and has missed ICC meetings since Jay Shah took over as Chairman last year.

According to PCB sources, if Naqvi cannot make the trip to Dubai, Chief Operating Officer Sumair Syed will represent Pakistan at the significant board meeting scheduled for November 7.

Despite the Asia Cup final taking place in late September, the trophy remains secured at the Asian Cricket Council's headquarters in Dubai.

There is also a possibility that Naqvi may join the meeting virtually.

The controversy surrounding the trophy escalated when Naqvi sent it to the ACC secretariat in Dubai. He has maintained that the Indian team must accept the trophy directly from him and has instructed ACC staff not to relocate the trophy without his consent.

The BCCI has formally requested the trophy be sent to Mumbai, but Naqvi insists it will only be handed over to a BCCI representative and a member of the Indian team during a ceremony in Dubai on November 10.