Mohsin Naqvi Shuts Down Apology Allegations
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi has categorically dismissed Indian media reports claiming that he apologised to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the controversy linked to the trophy presentation of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
According to certain Indian outlets, Naqvi had adopted a conciliatory tone during the subsequent ACC meeting in Dubai, allegedly expressing regret over the chaotic scenes that followed the final on September 28. The reports further alleged that he admitted the incident “should not have escalated.”
On the day of the final, the Indian team declined to receive the trophy and medals directly from Naqvi. In response, the ACC chief halted the traditional presentation ceremony and ordered the trophy and medals to be removed from the ground.
However, Naqvi took to social media platform X to strongly rebut the allegations. He made it clear that the claims were fabricated and misleading.
“Indian media thrives on lies, not facts. Let me state this unambiguously: I have never apologised to the BCCI, nor will I ever do so,” Naqvi posted.
“This false narrative is nothing more than cheap propaganda intended to mislead their own public. Sadly, India continues to inject politics into cricket, undermining the spirit of the game,” he added.
Naqvi also reiterated his stance as ACC Chairman, stressing that he had no objection to handing over the trophy.
“As Chairman of the ACC, I was ready to present the trophy that very evening, and I remain ready today. If they genuinely want it, they can come to the ACC office and collect it from me,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed to Geo News that the ACC meeting in Dubai, chaired by Naqvi, saw unusual developments regarding the trophy handover.
BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla reportedly pressed Naqvi to release the trophy. Naqvi, however, clarified that the matter was not on the official agenda.
Despite Shukla’s persistence, Naqvi stood firm: “If the Indian team wishes to take the trophy, the captain may come personally to the ACC office and collect it.” No formal resolution on the issue was reached.
The row originates from India’s refusal to accept the winners’ medals and trophy after their triumph in the Asia Cup 2025 final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
This stand-off between the Indian team and the ACC led to nearly an hour’s delay in the closing ceremony, which ended without the usual presentation.
Confirming the bizarre situation live on-air, presenter Simon Doull told viewers: “I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. That brings the presentation ceremony to a close.”
