Off-field tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated, moving from match-day snubs to a social media post by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.

 

Naqvi sparked debate online after appearing to back pacer Haris Rauf’s viral gesture during the recent Super Fours clash at the Asia Cup.  While fielding near the boundary, Rauf had on Sept 21 responded to jeering Indian fans by mimicking a fighter jet crashing down.

 

The gesture that was aimed at mocking India’s loss of jets during May’s military clashes against Pakistan, quickly drew attention and sparked outcry across the border.

 

Days later, Naqvi posted to X a video of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo making a similar gesture, which fans saw as a witty reference.

 

pic.twitter.com/1zbuJvz7m0

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 24, 2025

 

The video, posted without any caption, instantly ignited social media as Pakistani fans praised Naqvi for engaging boldly. 

 

“PCB chairman on fire 🔥,” commented one while another wrote, “Our chairman cooked so-called Indian journalists 😂🇵🇰.” Some even joked that Naqvi’s move earned him forgiveness for past decisions, with one user writing, “Mohsin Naqvi ke saaray aglay pichlay gunaah maaf 😂 [All of Mohsin Naqvi’s past sins are forgiven].”

 

Fans also loved the Ronaldo reference, with one posting, “Ronaldo aur kitna dil jeeto gy 👻.” Others added playful suggestions, linking the gesture to Pakistan’s proud history of military victories, with one remarking, “I wish following 7 seen on his shirt, there was a zero somewhere. That would've made it perfect :).”

 

While a majority of comments were supportive, a few reminded the PCB chief of his main role.

 

One fan advised, “Boss ap trolling hum pay choro or cricket theek karo jo apka kaam hai [Boss, leave the trolling to us and focus on fixing cricket].” Another reacted with surprise, saying, “Boss ye kis line mei agai ap 😂😭 (Boss, what line of work have you entered)?”

 

Some users also dismissed criticism from across the border, pointing out that Naqvi’s post was shared in his personal capacity. One fan wrote, “Take a chill India 🇮🇳 He posted this video as Interior Minister of Pakistan, not as ACC president 😅.”

 

With fans divided between admiration and reminders of responsibility, Naqvi’s post has added a new dimension to the ever-intense Pakistan-India cricket rivalry, proving that the battle is now being fought as much online as it is on the field.

 

It, however, merits a mention that Ronaldo’s video was not originally a political statement, but a goal celebration following a precise header against UAE’s Al Wasl in February this year.