PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi mocks India with Cristiano Ronaldo clip during Asia Cup 2025

Divy Dubey

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PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi mocks India with Cristiano Ronaldo clip during Asia Cup 2025 image

The Asia Cup 2025 has already been overshadowed by off-field controversies with tensions between India and Pakistan intensifying after last week's fiery Super 4 clash. The spotlight has now shifted to Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi who also heads the Asian Cricket Council.

At a time when players' on-field conduct is under review, Naqvi's social media activity has added a new layer of provocation.

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Mohsin Naqvi's Cristiano Ronaldo post fuels controversy

Naqvi shared a clip of football star Cristiano Ronaldo on social media where the Portuguese forward makes a gesture resembling a plane crash. The post came just days after Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were accused of provocative celebrations during the India-Pakistan Super 4 game in Dubai.

Naqvi's decision is being widely seen as an attempt to downplay or even justify the gestures made by his players - rather than easing the rising tensions. Critics argue that as the ACC chairman, his role should have been to restore calm instead of escalating matters further.

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Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan under BCCI complaint

The controversy traces back to September 21 when Rauf was seen making fighter jet gestures toward the crowd and later displaying a "6-0" hand sign - referencing propaganda linked to military conflict. Reports also noted he had shouted the same slogan during Pakistan's training session a day earlier.

Farhan, on the other hand, celebrated his half-century with a gun-firing gesture using his bat. According to Dainik Jagran, the BCCI submitted a formal complaint to ICC match referee Andy Pycroft along with video evidence, terming the actions "indecent and provocative."

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What's next in Asia Cup 2025?

India have already beaten Pakistan twice in this year's Asia Cup and are through to the final. Pakistan's hopes of setting up a third match with their rivals now rest on beating Bangladesh in their last Super 4 match.

With the added layer of administrative and disciplinary disputes, a potential India-Pakistan final promises to be about much more than just cricket.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.