ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has refuted media reports that he had apologised to the BCCI on the Asia Cup trophy controversy, saying he would “never” do that. The issue, which blew up after Naqvi took away the silverware with him after the Asia Cup final, is still making headlines as the winning Indian team is yet to be presented the trophy and winner’s medals.
Naqvi explained that he was willing to present the trophy to India after the match and is still willing to do so, but if the BCCI wants to take it from the ACC office. India had, however, declined to receive the award from Naqvi who, besides being the head of the PCB, is a Pakistan government minister with an anti-Indian reputation.
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“Indian media thrives on lies, not facts. Let me make it absolutely clear: I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologized to the BCCI nor will I ever do so. This fabricated nonsense is nothing but cheap propaganda, aimed only at misleading their own people. Unfortunately, India continues to drag politics into cricket, damaging the very spirit of the game. As ACC President, I was ready to hand over the trophy that very day and I am still ready now. If they truly want it, they are welcome to come to the ACC office and collect it from me,” Naqvi wrote on X.
In the aftermath, there have been reports the BCCI is considering tabling a motion for Naqvi to be removed as president of the ACC. Indian officials objected strenuously to the team not being awarded the winner’s trophy at the council’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday. But Naqvi remained adamant, reportedly informing delegates that he felt slighted and did not know India had made the decision.
BCCI executives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar responded that the trophy belongs to the Asian Cricket Council and should be presented formally to the rightful winners, maintaining that India’s players were deprived of the moment they had rightfully earned on the field.
