Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has come under fire after abruptly leaving the Asia Cup 2025 final presentation in Dubai with the tournament trophy.
The incident occurred after India’s five-wicket victory, which secured their unbeaten run in the eight-team competition. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team with a post on X (formerly Twitter), referencing “Operation Sindoor,” a military operation earlier this year following a terrorist attack in Kashmir.
“#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers,” PM Modi wrote.
The remark drew a sharp response from Naqvi, who accused India of politicising cricket. “If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan’s hands. No cricket match can rewrite the truth. Dragging war into sports only exposes your desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game,” he said.
Naqvi had been scheduled to present the trophy to India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, but the team refused to accept it from him. When attempts were made to have Emirates Cricket Board chairman Khalid Al Zarooni step in, Naqvi reportedly blocked the move and left the stadium with the trophy.
The unusual turn of events sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing Naqvi of politicising sport and disrespecting the champions. In response, India’s players celebrated by posing with imaginary trophies, mocking the absence of the official silverware.
The controversy capped a tense tournament marked by strained India–Pakistan relations, with players declining handshakes and Yadav dedicating wins to the Indian Armed Forces.
Source:Africa Publicity
