India-Pakistan to Play Cricket at Asian Games; ACC Says Naqvi Absent

The Asian Cricket Council stated that its president Mohsin Naqvi will be unavailable for the India‑Pakistan gold‑medal cricket match at the 2026 Asian Games because of pre‑existing engagements.

The final is set for Saturday 3 October at the Nishin Korogi Sports Park, with a bronze‑medal clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka slated for the same afternoon.

ACC’s official communication highlighted Naqvi's prior schedule while extending good wishes to the four teams competing for medals.

India advanced after a 124‑run victory over Sri Lanka, and Pakistan secured a six‑wicket win over Bangladesh in a rain‑shortened 13‑over encounter.

Given the persistent diplomatic friction after the 2025 Pahalgam attack, a post‑match hand‑shake ceremony is unlikely. Since that incident, India has avoided trophy exchanges and hand‑shakes with Pakistani officials at major cricket events, a policy observed during the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup and the recent women’s T20 Asia Cup final in Dubai.