India vs Pakistan: India and Pakistan face each other in the most awaited men’s cricket match of the Asian Games 2026 on October 3. India defeated Sri Lanka by 124 runs to reach the final. On the other hand, Pakistan won the title fight by defeating Bangladesh by 6 wickets in the semi-final due to rain. As a result, the excitement surrounding the face-to-face fight between the two arch-rivals on the Nagoya stage is already at its peak.
Mohsin Naqvi will not stay on the day of the final
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi will not attend this high-voltage match. He will not be able to attend the finals day of the Asian Games due to some pre-scheduled engagements, the ACC informed on Friday. Naqvi also said he had to stay away from Nagoya due to other commitments. However, he congratulated all four teams ahead of the gold and bronze matches.
The previous two controversies revolved around India
After the news of Naqvi’s absence came to the fore, some recent events naturally come to mind. The Indian team did not receive the trophy from him after defeating Pakistan in the 2025 men’s Asia Cup final. The trophy presentation ceremony was also prolonged in that incident. Later, after defeating Sri Lanka in the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup final, the Indian team did not attend the ceremony to receive the trophy from Naqvi.
Why Naqvi is not coming?
However, the official explanation for his absence this time is quite specific. According to ACC, he was unable to attend the final due to prior commitments. Naqvi also stated that he would stay away from Nagoya, citing the same reason. As a result, there is no official basis to link his absence to fear of a particular party or any other motive.
India has an opportunity to retain gold
India enters the final as the previous Asian Games champions. India were awarded gold based on a good T20 ranking after the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games final was abandoned due to rain. This time, Shreyas Iyer’s team has a chance to finish the fight against Pakistan. India are preparing for the final with a strong batting line-up including Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson.
An extra look at both camps before the encounter
The rivalry between India and Pakistan means more pressure, more expectations and different emotions. However, the focus of the October 3 clash is now on field cricket. On the one hand, India is aiming to retain the gold, while on the other hand, Pakistan has a chance to win gold in the Asian Games. And no matter what happens in the gallery or in the dugout, Naqvi’s absence is certain — now all eyes are on the India-Pakistan bat-ball battle.