Mohsin Naqvi Admits Embarrassment After Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Controversy

ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi says he felt ashamed after the Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy and criticism at the ICC meeting over mishandling of the situation.

New Delhi | November 4, 2025

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has admitted feeling embarrassed after the controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy presentation and his conduct at the following ICC meeting. Naqvi reportedly told close associates that he felt “ashamed” and “like a cartoon” after being criticized by several cricket board representatives, including members of the BCCI.

The controversy began after the Asia Cup final in Dubai, where India defeated Pakistan. During the post-match ceremony, the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, citing his dual role as PCB Chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, which they viewed as a conflict of interest. The situation quickly turned into a diplomatic embarrassment, with videos of the awkward moment spreading widely across social media platforms.

At the ICC meeting that followed, board members from India and other countries questioned Naqvi about the handling of the Asia Cup presentation. Reports suggest he struggled to provide a clear explanation, which only intensified the criticism. Many cricket officials reportedly viewed the incident as an example of poor coordination and unprofessionalism within the ACC.

Naqvi later told reporters that the backlash and his inability to address the issue effectively left him deeply humiliated. He said he regretted how the matter was handled and admitted that it reflected poorly on both the ACC and the PCB. The situation has also strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan further, with the BCCI reportedly considering escalating the issue to the ICC for formal review.

The Asia Cup controversy has sparked wider debates about governance within the ACC and the role of politics in cricket administration. Critics argue that the incident highlights the need for clear separation between cricket management and political authority. Meanwhile, supporters of Naqvi maintain that he was unfairly targeted for political reasons and that the controversy has been blown out of proportion.

The episode has become a significant flashpoint in the already tense cricketing relationship between India and Pakistan. As international scrutiny continues, the ACC faces growing pressure to restore credibility and ensure that future events are conducted with greater professionalism and neutrality.