Asia Cup 2025: Will Mohsin Naqvi hand over India's medals?
What's the story
Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, has said he is ready to hand over the 2025 Men's T20 Asia Cup winner's medals to the Indian team. However, there's a catch: he wants a 'formal function' to be held for the same. The information comes from Cricbuzz, which also reports that Naqvi has told this to the Asia Cup organizers.
Context
Why does this story matter?
India won the 2025 Asia Cup after beating Pakistan in Dubai. Despite their victory, the post-match presentation was delayed by 90 minutes due to off-field drama. When it finally began, Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma collected their individual awards. However, they refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy that was set to be presented by Naqvi, the ACC and PCB chairman.
Standoff details
Naqvi took away the trophy with him
During an hour-long standoff, India reportedly proposed accepting the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board chairman Khalid Al Zarooni and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam. However, Naqvi stood his ground and insisted that only he would present the prize. After India's reluctance, the presentation was completed without them getting their trophy or winners' medals. Notably, Naqvi not only walked off the stage but also out of the stadium with ACC officials following him with the trophy.
Information
BCCI set to raise this issue
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) now plans to raise this issue at the ICC meeting in November. However, according to Cricbuzz, the board will also take it up at an ACC meeting in Dubai.
Tensions
India beat Pakistan thrice amid political tensions
India and Pakistan clashed thrice in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup, with the former sealing all three encounters. The iconic cricketing rivalry endured the heat, ranging from boycott calls to on-field verbal volleys and the subsequent complaints lodged by the two boards. The two countries have been at loggerheads since the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. While India responded by launching Operation Sindoor, Pakistan retaliated with drone attacks.