Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has strongly criticized Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi for his behavior following the Asia Cup 2025 final, accusing him of damaging his and Pakistan's reputation. The controversy arose after India won the Asia Cup final against Pakistan on September 28, but the Indian team did not receive the trophy and medals in the usual manner.
Naqvi, who is also the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan's Interior Minister, has faced heavy criticism for allegedly "running away" with the Asia Cup trophy after the match. Reports indicate that the Indian team refused to accept the trophy directly from Naqvi during the post-match presentation. Subsequently, Naqvi instructed his staff to remove the trophy and medals from the presentation area.
Madan Lal, a World Cup winner, didn't hold back in his criticism, stating that Naqvi's actions were "childish" and demonstrated a lack of understanding of sportsmanship. In an interview with India Today, Lal said that "Mohsin Naqvi has no knowledge of the sport. How a sport should be played, how one should behave". He further added, "All these things should not have happened. When players lift that trophy in front of the fans, or on live TV, that is when it looks good". Lal also questioned why Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav should be asked to travel to Dubai to collect the trophy. "Why should Suryakumar Yadav go to the Asian Cricket Council office to collect the trophy? India won, you should have let them celebrate with the trophy on the ground".
The situation escalated when reports emerged that Naqvi demanded that the Indian team collect the trophy from the ACC office in Dubai. This led to further condemnation, with Lal asserting that Naqvi's behavior had tarnished his own image and that of Pakistan on the global stage. "The PCB chief has destroyed his and his country's reputation," Lal stated.
Adding to the controversy, reports suggested that Naqvi took the trophy to his hotel room in Dubai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly taken a strong stance against Naqvi's actions and is considering pushing for his removal as ACC president. Sources indicate that the BCCI raised "strong objections" during an ACC meeting, emphasizing that the trophy belongs to the winning team and not an individual. It has also been suggested that the BCCI may escalate the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Adding to the chorus of disapproval, former Pakistani player Shahid Afridi has also criticized Naqvi for failing in his duties during the Asia Cup. Afridi called on Naqvi to resign as PCB chairman, arguing that he cannot effectively manage the responsibilities of a top cricket administrator while also serving as Pakistan's Interior Minister.
In response to the criticism, Naqvi has denied apologizing to the BCCI and insisted that he was ready to hand over the trophy. He stated that if the Indian team wants the trophy, they are welcome to collect it from the ACC office. However, sources indicate that the ACC, led by Naqvi, has expressed "regret" over the controversy, acknowledging that the situation could have been avoided. The Asia Cup trophy is reportedly now with the UAE cricket board.
