Trophy Controversy: PCB Chief Faces Backlash After Asia Cup

Trophy Controversy: PCB Chief Faces Backlash After Asia Cup

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is under fire following Pakistan's third consecutive defeat to India in the Asia Cup. Fans are calling for his resignation after a video emerged showing a man sprinting away with the winners' trophy, allegedly on Naqvi's orders, after the final match in Dubai.

India triumphed over Pakistan in the final, but the post-match presentation turned chaotic. Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan's interior minister. As Naqvi waited on stage, the Indian team stood at a distance, leading to a prolonged delay. When he finally approached the stage, he was met with loud boos and chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" from Indian fans.

Officials informed Naqvi that the Indian team would not accept the trophy from him. Shortly after, a staff member was seen taking the trophy into the dressing room, which many on social media claim was done at Naqvi's behest. The situation escalated as Pakistani players remained in their dressing room for nearly an hour, leaving Naqvi embarrassed on stage. When they finally emerged, they were met with chants of "India, India" from the crowd.

The trophy presentation did not occur, and Naqvi left the stage with the trophy and medals still in his possession. Meanwhile, Indian players celebrated by pretending to hold an invisible trophy. Suryakumar Yadav later announced that he would donate his Asia Cup match fees to the Indian armed forces.

In a related development, during an Asian Cricket Council meeting on September 30, India confronted Naqvi about the trophy incident. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla criticized Naqvi for not presenting the trophy to the Indian team, emphasizing that the trophy belongs to the ACC, not Naqvi personally. Shukla insisted that the trophy should be returned to India and urged the ACC to resolve the issue promptly.

Naqvi claimed he was made to look foolish during the incident and stated that the Indian team had not formally communicated their refusal to accept the trophy. Despite pressure from BCCI representatives, Naqvi initially declined to congratulate India on their victory but was eventually compelled to do so. The BCCI reiterated their demand for the trophy's return and plans to file a formal complaint with the ICC regarding the matter.

The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup trophy continues to unfold, with tensions between the BCCI and PCB remaining high.