The fallout from the dramatic Asia Cup final in Dubai has taken another twist, with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi blasting Indian media reports that he apologized to the BCCI over the trophy controversy.
Naqvi called the claims “fabricated nonsense” and accused sections of the Indian press of running a propaganda campaign to mislead their audience. “I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI, nor will I ever do so,” he said, stressing that the so-called apology stories were pure invention.
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final, but the post-match presentation turned into a fiasco. Indian players refused to accept the trophy and medals from Naqvi, citing political sensitivities, and the award ceremony ended abruptly without a formal handover.
The episode left both fans and officials stunned, and soon after, several Indian media outlets reported that Naqvi had later expressed regret privately to the BCCI. Naqvi, however, has firmly rejected those accounts, saying the truth is the opposite.
Despite the standoff, Naqvi insisted he remains willing to present the trophy if India wants to collect it. “If the Indian team wishes, their captain can come and receive the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC office. The trophy is still with us,” he stated.
At the same time, he criticized what he described as the “politicisation of cricket” by Indian media and officials, warning that it damages the sport’s credibility and spirit.
The controversy has overshadowed India’s on-field triumph and deepened tensions between the two boards. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav publicly voiced frustration, saying his team felt “denied” the trophy moment despite being champions.
In Pakistan, Naqvi’s refusal to bend has been met with applause from some quarters, while others argue a calmer diplomatic solution is needed. Analysts warn the standoff could inflame cricketing ties further, just as South Asian sport was showing signs of recovery after years of political strain.
This row, still unresolved, has turned what should have been a celebration of cricketing excellence into yet another reminder of how politics and sport in the region remain inseparably entangled.
