The Pakistan–India cricket rivalry at the ongoing Asia Cup has once again crossed beyond the cricket field, making headlines in media and online spaces. This time, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has become the center of attention after a social media post sparked fresh debate.
This year, the rivalry has been especially tense. Both cricket boards, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the PCB, have already submitted complaints to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about breaches of the Code of Conduct. These complaints show how serious and sensitive the situation has become, not only on the ground but also off it.
The latest twist came on Wednesday when Mohsin Naqvi shared a short video of world-famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo on X (formerly Twitter). The clip showed Ronaldo making hand gestures of an airplane taking off and then crashing down. Although the moment was most likely directed at rival fans during one of Ronaldo’s matches for his club Al Nassr, cricket fans in South Asia connected the act with the fiery Pakistan–India cricket rivalry.
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 24, 2025
Naqvi posted the video without writing any caption, leaving fans to interpret its meaning. However, it didn’t take long for the video to trigger reactions across the border. Indian fans linked it directly to the recent Asia Cup matches and accused Naqvi of adding fuel to an already heated atmosphere.
The timing of the post was also notable. Just a few days earlier, in the Super Fours clash in Dubai, Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf made headlines when he responded to Indian crowd taunts by imitating the fall of a jet. That gesture spread quickly on social media, gained massive attention, and even resulted in an official complaint from the Indian side.
For many observers, Naqvi’s video looked like a silent continuation of that incident. Without saying a word, the post was seen as trolling or mocking, and fans immediately picked up the reference. Indian media outlets and supporters called the move “provocative,” while Pakistani fans saw it as playful banter linked to the ongoing rivalry.
The Asia Cup itself has already been full of drama. Pakistan and India have faced each other twice, and both matches carried not only competitive cricket but also emotional moments in the stands and on digital platforms. The excitement has spilled over into chants from the crowd, social media debates, and even official boardroom disputes.
As the tournament heads towards its final stages, the possibility of another Pakistan–India clash in the grand finale is still alive. If that happens, the rivalry is expected to reach even higher levels, both in terms of cricketing intensity and off-field drama.
For now, one thing is clear: the Pakistan–India rivalry is not just about runs and wickets—it’s also about pride, emotion, and national sentiment, played out on and off the pitch.
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