Who Is Mohsin Naqvi? ACC Chief And Pakistan Minister Behind Asia Cup Trophy Controversy

Following India's victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, an unprecedented incident unfolded involving the championship trophy, bringing Mohsin Naqvi into the spotlight. The controversy arose after the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi.

The presentation ceremony concluded with the champions celebrating their win without the Asia Cup trophy, as the Indian players declined to receive it from Naqvi, who remained on stage. After defeating Pakistan for the third time in just two weeks, Suryakumar and his team firmly refused to take the trophy from Naqvi, who ultimately left the dais carrying the silverware on Sunday night.

Who Is Mohsin Naqvi?

Mohsin Naqvi serves as the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). In addition, he is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and also holds the position of Interior Minister of Pakistan. Naqvi is known for his outspoken anti-India stance.

A significant standoff occurred before the presentation ceremony began. For over an hour, Naqvi stood on stage alongside other dignitaries responsible for presenting awards, while the Indian team waited nearby and the Pakistan team remained in their dressing room. Reports indicated that the Indians were informed that the Pakistan minister would present the trophy, which they declined, choosing not to interact with him.

Naqvi reportedly insisted that, as ACC chief, only he would hand over the trophy. The Indian team, with full support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was clear they would accept the trophy from another official but not from Naqvi, in order to avoid "legitimizing" his involvement.

In response to the unusual series of events, the BCCI announced that it will lodge a "very strong protest" against the ACC chairman at the next ICC meeting in November, citing his action of walking away with the trophy as unacceptable.