Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi will not attend the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket gold medal match between India and Pakistan, the ACC confirmed on Friday.The India-Pakistan final is scheduled for October 3 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. The ACC said Naqvi will miss Finals Day due to prior commitments and sent his best wishes to the teams competing in the gold and bronze medal matches.Key HighlightsMohsin Naqvi will skip the Asian Games 2026 cricket final.India and Pakistan will play for the men’s cricket gold medal.The final is scheduled for October 3 in Nisshin, Japan.The ACC cited Naqvi’s prior commitments for his absence.India defeated Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semifinal.Pakistan beat Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened semifinal.Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will play for the bronze medal.Mohsin Naqvi to Miss India-Pakistan FinalThe ACC confirmed Naqvi’s absence ahead of the much-anticipated final. In a statement shared on social media, the cricket body said its president would miss Finals Day at the Asian Games 2026 because of prior commitments.Naqvi also wished all four teams participating in the gold and bronze medal matches well.Naqvi is currently serving as both ACC president and PCB chairman, making his absence notable ahead of the first-ever India-Pakistan men’s cricket final at the Asian Games.India and Pakistan Set for Gold Medal ClashIndia booked its place in the final after defeating Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semifinal. Ishan Kishan scored an unbeaten 80 from 46 balls, while India’s bowlers dismissed Sri Lanka for 45.Pakistan secured its final berth after beating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-affected semifinal that was reduced to 13 overs per side. Abdul Samad played a key role with an unbeaten 30 off 15 balls.The final will be the first India-Pakistan men's cricket match at the Asian Games. The two teams will compete for the gold medal on October 3.Focus on the Gold Medal MatchNaqvi’s absence also means he will not be present at the venue during the high-profile India-Pakistan encounter.Recent India-Pakistan cricket events have included discussions around match protocols and trophy presentations involving Naqvi. However, the ACC's stated reason for his absence from the Asian Games final is his prior commitments.The bronze medal match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will take place before the India-Pakistan final.
