'Do whatever you want, I'll handle it': Mohsin Naqvi's message to Salman Ali Agha and Co. for Asia Cup final

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi gives full license to Pakistan players for India clash. (AP Photo)

Before the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan on Sunday (September 28) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, reports suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi gave his players a green light to adopt a more aggressive approach toward Indian cricketers, both during and after the finale.

According to several Pakistani media outlets, Naqvi, who also serves as Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), told his players to “fight” the Indian side and assured them that the board would handle any aftermath.

WATCH VIDEO - Jasprit Bumrah mocks Haris Rauf with fighter jets gesture after uprooting his stumps with crushing yorker

“Do whatever you want; I’ll handle it,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by Pakistani journalist Qadir Khawaja, reported Times Of India (TOI). However, his dual role as PCB chief and ACC head, along with his known criticism of India, has raised concerns of potential awkwardness during the event.

On the other hand, BCCI haven't made released any statement but it is understood that the team and players have been asked to avoid direct contact with Naqvi.

This isn’t the first time Naqvi has made headlines during the tournament. Earlier, he reportedly pushed the PCB to accuse match referee Andy Pycroft of discouraging casual post-match conversations after the India match on September 14, a claim that the ICC later dismissed.

Naqvi’s actions on social media have also raised eyebrows. He recently posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal celebration followed by an airplane crash. The post faced backlash as many took it as a taunt.

Naqvi's post was related to Rauf’s controversial gesture and celebration during India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Super 4 game on September 21. ICC even fined the pacer for his actions.