PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Sparks Controversy with Cristiano Ronaldo Post During Asia Cup Match
Published on: September 25, 2025
In a move that has ignited a fresh wave of outrage, Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), recently shared a provocative video of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo making a ‘fighter jet’ gesture on social media. This post comes on the heels of a contentious Asia Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and India, where players from both teams engaged in gestures that many deemed inflammatory.
Context of the Controversy
The backdrop to Naqvi’s post is a charged atmosphere surrounding the ongoing Asia Cup, particularly the Super Four match held at Dubai International Stadium on September 24. During this match, Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan drew ire for their gestures directed at Indian spectators. Rauf, in particular, was seen making multiple ‘fighter jet’ gestures, which many interpreted as a reference to a false narrative claiming that six Indian Air Force aircraft were shot down during a fictional operation dubbed “Operation Sindoor” in May. This narrative has been widely circulated in certain circles, further inflaming tensions between the two cricketing nations.
Farhan also contributed to the controversy by celebrating his fifty with a gesture mimicking gunfire, a move that many fans and analysts found inappropriate given the historical and political sensitivities surrounding India-Pakistan relations.
Naqvi’s Role and Reaction
As the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Naqvi’s decision to share the Ronaldo video has been criticized as an attempt to escalate tensions rather than defuse them. His actions have drawn sharp rebukes from cricketing circles and fans alike, who argue that such provocations only serve to deepen the divide between the two nations.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has responded to the situation by seeking strict action against Rauf and Farhan. According to reports from Dainik Jagran, the Indian team lodged an official complaint with match referee Andy Pycroft, citing the players’ “indecent and provocative behaviour” and providing video evidence to support their claims. The BCCI believes that the gestures were intentional and aimed at inciting the crowd.
Historical Context of India-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry
The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is one of the most intense in the sport’s history. Matches between the two teams are often charged with national pride and historical grievances, making any perceived slight or provocation particularly sensitive. The cricketing landscape has been shaped by decades of political tension, with both nations using the sport as a platform for expressing national identity and sentiment.
Historically, gestures and celebrations in cricket have often been scrutinized, especially in high-stakes matches. The 1996 World Cup quarter-final, where India faced Pakistan, is a prime example of how emotions can run high, leading to on-field confrontations and off-field controversies.
The Road Ahead: Potential Rematch
Looking ahead, India and Pakistan could potentially meet for a third time in the Asia Cup 2025, with a spot in the final on the line. Pakistan must first secure a victory against Bangladesh in their final Super Four game in Dubai. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has already defeated Pakistan twice in the tournament, adding to the pressure on the Pakistani side.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will not only be on the cricketing skills displayed on the field but also on the conduct of players and officials. The PCB’s handling of the situation, particularly in light of Naqvi’s controversial post, will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
Conclusion
The recent actions of PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, particularly his provocative social media post, have reignited discussions about the intersection of sports and politics in the context of the India-Pakistan rivalry. As both teams prepare for potential future encounters in the Asia Cup, the need for sportsmanship and restraint becomes increasingly critical. The cricketing world watches closely, hoping for a focus on the game rather than the controversies that often overshadow it.
