Mohsin Naqvi Faces Backlash Over Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Incident

The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan has turned into more than just a cricketing spectacle—it has become a political and administrative flashpoint, centered around Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi and his handling of the trophy ceremony. The incident has drawn criticism from former cricketers, cricket boards, fans, and international media, highlighting how sport and politics often collide in the subcontinent.

The Trophy Controversy

After India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, the customary trophy presentation turned chaotic. Reports suggest that Mohsin Naqvi did not hand over the trophy to the Indian team immediately. Instead, the trophy was temporarily placed with the UAE Cricket Board, leaving players and officials confused. India eventually refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, citing protocol concerns and the principle of sportsmanship.

• ESPNcricinfo reported India’s decision not to accept the trophy from Naqvi.

• Times of India revealed that Naqvi “ran away with the trophy” during the presentation ceremony.

• Al Jazeera and The Indian Express highlighted how the incident has turned cricket into a politically charged theater.

Reactions from Cricketing Legends

The controversy has triggered strong reactions from cricketing icons:

• AB de Villiers criticized Naqvi and emphasized that politics has no place in sport. He remarked, “Politics should stay aside in cricket.”

• Shahid Afridi expressed disappointment over Naqvi’s actions and warned that it could be a turning point for Pakistan cricket administration. Afridi further criticized the mixing of cricket and political narratives.

• Former cricketers like Basit Ali and Madan Lal condemned the actions, stating that Naqvi’s conduct tarnished Pakistan's and his own reputation.

• Varun Chakravarthy humorously mocked the situation on social media, showing how cricket fans are using satire to voice their frustrations.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Defense

Naqvi has defended his actions multiple times:

• In statements to India Today and News18, Naqvi claimed he “did nothing wrong” and suggested that India could collect the trophy from the ACC office in Dubai if they wished.

• He reportedly made new conditions around the handover, which many saw as unnecessary bureaucracy and a politicization of the sport.

• Naqvi’s apology to the BCCI was considered half-hearted by critics, as his subsequent statements reignited tensions.

Political Overtones

Analysts and media reports highlight how the trophy incident has extended beyond cricket:

• Andrew Fidel Fernando (ESPN) described it as an “ugly Asia Cup rivalry” where politics overshadows sport.

• Al Jazeera called it a “militarized theatre,” emphasizing how India-Pakistan cricket continues to be a proxy for national pride and political narratives.

• Several opinion pieces in The Indian Express and BusinessLine argue that both countries disservice cricket by treating matches as battles rather than sport.

ICC and ACC Response

• The ACC meeting reportedly included strong objections from the BCCI over Naqvi’s conduct.

• Times of India noted that Rajeev Shukla confronted Naqvi with pointed questions at the ACC, reflecting the international cricket administration’s frustration.

• There is speculation about potential ICC intervention if administrative conflicts escalate further.

Public and Fan Reactions

Social media has been abuzz with memes, criticism, and debates:

• Fans mocked Naqvi’s behavior and staged sarcastic celebrations of “fake trophies.”

• Former players and cricket enthusiasts expressed disappointment at the politicization of what should have been a sporting moment.

• The incident has even sparked calls for Naqvi’s resignation or impeachment from the PCB.

Key Takeaways

• India refused the trophy due to Naqvi’s conditions and conduct.

• Mohsin Naqvi issued apologies but also added controversial statements, fueling tensions.

• Cricketing icons and media unanimously emphasized that politics must not overshadow the sport.

• The ACC and ICC may step in if the situation escalates further.

• Fans, former players, and analysts see the incident as a detriment to cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan.

Conclusion

The Asia Cup 2025 trophy row is more than a minor administrative error—it reflects the fragile intersection of cricket, politics, and national pride. Mohsin Naqvi, as the PCB chief, now faces intense scrutiny from the cricketing world, while India’s measured stance underscores the need for protocol and sportsmanship in international tournaments. This incident may serve as a reminder that cricket is not just about winning matches but preserving the spirit of the game.