The ongoing dispute over the Asia Cup trophy intensified recently when former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf publicly supported Mohsin Naqvi, the head of both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This backing comes after India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi following the final in Dubai, an incident that has fueled significant debate.
The controversy began when Naqvi took the Asia Cup trophy with him after Pakistan’s loss in the final, leaving the victorious Indian team without their award and medals. India’s decision not to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister and holds known anti-India political views, has ignited a widespread discussion in cricketing circles globally.
Naqvi has reiterated his position, stating that India can still receive the trophy, but only by visiting the ACC office to collect it. Mohammad Yousuf firmly endorsed this view on Samaa TV, declaring: “What Chairman Sir (Mohsin Naqvi) is doing is absolutely right. He has taken the correct stand. India should have accepted the trophy at that moment. According to ACC and ICC regulations, he was present as the ACC chief, and the trophy should have been presented by him.”
The former Pakistan batsman didn’t hold back, sharply criticizing the Indian players for what he perceived as a greater focus on dramatics rather than genuine sport.
“On the field, they seemed more preoccupied with putting on a show. I’ve said it before – they can’t seem to leave their ‘filmy world.’ This is cricket, not cinema. In films, you get retakes, but here, you’re playing a real sport,” Yousuf remarked.
Yousuf further emphasized that Naqvi’s stance was rooted in national pride, not personal animosity, stating: “Everything he is doing is for the honor of Pakistan, and he is absolutely right; we stand with him.”
As both cricketing boards remain firm in their positions, the contentious Asia Cup trophy dispute appears far from resolution.