NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi may skip the ongoing ICC Executive Board meeting in Dubai due to what have been described as “domestic political issues.” The development comes at a time when the BCCI is expected to raise concerns over the Asia Cup trophy not being handed to India after the final in September.
The four-day meeting began on Tuesday, and Naqvi — who also serves as Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council — was set to face tough questions from the Indian board. The controversy stems from his failure to present the trophy to the Indian players, who reportedly refused to accept it from him following his anti-India remarks.
PCB COO to attend in Naqvi’s absence
According to PCB sources, the Board’s Chief Operating Officer Sumair Syed will represent Pakistan at the chief executives’ meeting. If Naqvi remains unable to travel, Syed could also attend the crucial ICC board session scheduled for November 7. The PCB source did not elaborate on the political matters preventing Naqvi’s participation.
Despite the Asia Cup final concluding weeks ago, the trophy remains locked at the Asian Cricket Council headquarters in Dubai. Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, has reportedly insisted that the silverware will only be handed over by him personally to a BCCI representative and a member of the Indian team during a ceremony planned for November 10.
The BCCI had earlier written to the ACC requesting the trophy be sent to Mumbai, but Naqvi’s continued stance has prolonged the standoff between the two boards.
(With PTI Inputs)
