Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has opened up about the behind-the-scenes drama during the 2025 Asia Cup, revealing how his intervention saved Pakistan from severe financial and reputational damage.
During a segment on a private news channel, Sethi shared that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was strongly in favor of Pakistan withdrawing from the tournament in protest against controversial refereeing decisions and a handshake incident involving match referee Andy Pycroft.
Sethi explained, “This was a crisis that could have cost Pakistan dearly. The PCB was adamant that we should boycott the tournament if the ICC didn’t apologize or investigate the incident. But my point of view has always been that we should not quit, we should fight for our rights.”
The former PCB head recounted attending a crucial meeting with Mohsin Naqvi to resolve the issue. “When I was invited, I was asked not to attend. I didn’t go there to support Mohsin Naqvi, I went there to support Pakistan cricket.”
Sethi went on to elaborate on the consequences of a potential boycott. “If Pakistan had abandoned the Asia Cup, Pakistan cricket would have been in trouble. The ICC could have opposed us in the Asian Cricket Council, could have penalized us, and the $15–16 million we were set to receive would have been lost. Even the PSL could have faced sanctions.”
Sethi, along with former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, was invited by Naqvi during crisis talks to secure Pakistan’s future in the Asia Cup. After much deliberation, it was decided that Pakistan would continue participating in the tournament, eventually reaching the Super Four stage.
“We took the logical step, and Pakistan is still in the tournament,” Sethi concluded.
The PCB has since received an apology from the match referee, with the ICC assuring an inquiry into the incident. However, the controversy still lingers as Pakistan prepares to face India once again in the ongoing tournament.
