Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Row Escalates: Mohsin Naqvi Slams “Fabricated Propaganda”
New Delhi, Oct 1 (TheTrendingPeople.com): The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 final trophy has taken another sharp turn after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi denied apologising to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In a strongly-worded post on X, Naqvi accused Indian media of spreading “fabricated propaganda” and dragging politics into cricket.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Strong Rebuttal
Naqvi took to X on Tuesday, posting:
“Indian media thrives on lies, not facts. Let me make it absolutely clear: I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI nor will I ever do so. This fabricated nonsense is nothing but cheap propaganda, aimed only at misleading their own people. Unfortunately, India continues to drag politics into cricket, damaging the very spirit of the game.”
The ACC president also stated that he was prepared to conduct the presentation ceremony in Dubai on the night of the final.
“As ACC President, I was ready to hand over the trophy that very day and I am still ready now. If they truly want it, they are welcome to come to the ACC office and collect it from me,” he added.
How the Controversy Began
The row erupted on September 28, after India defeated Pakistan in Dubai to secure their record-extending ninth Asia Cup title. However, the post-match celebrations were overshadowed by diplomatic tensions.
According to eyewitnesses at the Dubai International Stadium, the Indian team refused to receive the trophy and medals from Naqvi. Instead, they requested that the honours be presented by the vice-chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, citing strained political relations between India and Pakistan. Naqvi declined this request, setting the stage for an awkward standoff.
The presentation ceremony was delayed by nearly half an hour. During the event, individual awards were handed to Indian cricketers by other dignitaries present, including spinner Kuldeep Yadav, opener Abhishek Sharma, and batter Tilak Varma.
When Naqvi eventually stepped onto the dais to present the trophy, the Indian side made it clear they would not accept it from him. In a surprising turn, the trophy was quietly removed from the stage, leaving India’s players and fans stunned.
Reports of Trophy Retrieval Demand
In the days following the incident, several reports suggested that Naqvi had demanded India captain Suryakumar Yadav travel personally to Dubai to collect the trophy from the ACC headquarters. The claim further fueled outrage on social media, with fans on both sides of the border expressing strong views.
Naqvi’s post on X directly addressed these allegations, calling them false and politically motivated.
Eyewitness Accounts from Dubai
An eyewitness at the stadium, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the tense atmosphere:
“The Indian players stood firm on their decision. They had informed the organisers well in advance that they would not take the trophy from Naqvi. When he walked on stage, they simply refused. It was a silent but powerful statement.”
Another official present at the ceremony said:
“This was unprecedented. Never in the history of Asian cricket has the winning team left without holding the trophy. It was embarrassing for both the ACC and the tournament organisers.”
Why This Matters
The Asia Cup 2025 controversy is not just about a trophy—it reflects the deep-rooted political tensions between India and Pakistan that often spill over into sports. Cricket, traditionally celebrated as a unifying force in South Asia, is once again caught in the crossfire of geopolitical rivalries.
For India, the refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi was seen as a diplomatic statement, highlighting the government’s position on not engaging with Pakistan at official levels. For Pakistan, Naqvi’s rebuttal is a matter of national pride, defending both the PCB and ACC against what he calls “false propaganda.”
The incident also raises concerns about the credibility of the ACC and its ability to maintain neutrality in hosting regional tournaments. With millions of fans across Asia watching, the spectacle of champions leaving without their prize has cast a shadow over the competition.
Reactions from Fans and Analysts
On social media, reactions have been sharply divided. Indian fans largely supported their team’s stance, praising the players for upholding national dignity. Pakistani fans, however, accused India of politicising cricket and disrespecting the role of the ACC president.
Sports analysts have warned that the controversy could have long-term implications for future India-Pakistan cricket ties and the governance of Asian cricket tournaments.
Looking Ahead
The trophy row remains unresolved. With Naqvi insisting that the Indian team must collect it from the ACC office and the BCCI yet to respond formally, the issue risks prolonging diplomatic tensions further.
Cricket fans, meanwhile, remain disappointed that a memorable Asia Cup final was overshadowed by off-field drama rather than celebrated for the quality of the game.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The Asia Cup 2025 final should have been remembered for India’s stellar performance and record-breaking triumph. Instead, it has become a case study in how politics can overshadow sport. Mohsin Naqvi’s sharp words and India’s firm refusal underline the depth of mistrust that continues to plague cricketing relations between the two nations.
As cricket boards, fans, and governing bodies navigate the fallout, one thing is clear: the spirit of the game is the biggest casualty of this dispute. Unless cooler heads prevail, the trophy controversy may mark yet another lost opportunity for sport to serve as a bridge rather than a battlefield.