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Key Points

The Asia Cup trophy dispute between Pakistan and India has escalated with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi strongly denying media reports of apologizing to the BCCI. Naqvi accused Indian media of spreading "fabricated propaganda" and maintained his stance of being ready to present the trophy. The incident stems from India's players refusing to accept the trophy from Naqvi during the final presentation ceremony. The controversy highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions that continue to impact sporting events between the two nations.

Key Points: Mohsin Naqvi Blasts Indian Media Over Asia Cup Trophy Controversy

  • PCB chief rejects claims of apologizing to BCCI
  • India refused trophy presentation from Naqvi during Asia Cup final
  • Geopolitical tensions overshadow cricket award ceremony
  • Naqvi challenges India to collect trophy from ACC office
2 min read

Asia Cup trophy row: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi dismisses reports of apologising to BCCI

PCB Chief Naqvi denies BCCI apology, calls media reports "fabricated propaganda" amid tense Asia Cup trophy standoff

"Indian media thrives on lies, not facts - Mohsin Naqvi"

New Delhi, Oct 1

The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 final trophy escalated further after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi quashed reports suggesting he had apologised to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), accusing Indian media of spreading “fabricated propaganda”.

"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," Naqvi wrote a post on X. "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."

Naqvi insisted that he had been ready to conduct the presentation ceremony on the night of the final in Dubai. "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.

The row began on September 28 after India defeated Pakistan to win a record-extending ninth Asia Cup crown. The Indian players refused to receive the trophy and medals from Naqvi, citing strained geopolitical relations, and instead requested that the presentation be done by the vice-chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board. But, Naqvi rejected the request.

When the presentation ceremony began after a delay, India spinner Kuldeep Yadav, opener Abhishek Sharma and batter Tilak Varma received their individual awards from other dignitaries on stage. When Naqvi finally stepped onto the dais, the Indian side made clear they would not accept the trophy from him. Moments later, the trophy was discreetly removed from the venue, leaving the champions without their prize.

Reports have since claimed that Naqvi demanded India captain Suryakumar Yadav personally travel to Dubai to collect the trophy from the ACC office.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, both sides need to grow up. Cricket should bring people together, not create more divisions. The players worked hard and deserve to celebrate their achievement without this political nonsense.
A
Ananya R
Our team showed great sportsmanship by refusing to accept from someone who represents a nation that doesn't respect our sovereignty. Proud of Team India for taking a stand! 💪
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I'm disappointed. The trophy presentation is part of the celebration. Now our champions don't have their prize because of ego clashes. This isn't what sports should be about.
V
Vikram M
Naqvi calling Indian media propaganda machines is rich coming from someone from Pakistan! Our media may be sensational at times, but at least we have freedom of press. Trophy toh humara hai, bas formalities poori nahi ho rahi.
K
Karthik V
The real losers here are cricket fans. We want to see good cricket, not political posturing. Hope ACC sorts this out soon and our team gets what they rightfully earned. 🏆
M
Michael C
While I understand the geopolitical tensions, making the captain travel to Dubai just to collect a trophy seems petty. The ACC should find a neutral way to hand it over and move on.

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