Former Pakistan batsman calls India ‘arrogant’ as he defends Mohsin Naqvi after Asia Cup trophy row

India beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, but the team did not collect the trophy from Naqvi Former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has come out in support of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi following the trophy dispute following the women’s Asia Cup final.For the second consecutive year, an Indian team failed to win the Asia Cup trophy after winning the tournament. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final to win a record eighth title, but the players remained in the dressing room as the ceremony began.The Indian team’s decision came after it was made clear that they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is currently the ACC president as well as the PCB chairman.Naqvi largely stayed out of the presentation area during the finale, but was seen in the VIP box during the finale. The ceremony was subsequently delayed for about 45 to 50 minutes before finally getting underway.Yousuf, however, defended Naqvi and accused India of displaying “arrogance” in a post on X on Tuesday.

contributed by Mohammad Yousuf

“When national pride turns into arrogance, victory brings no reward. A team may win, but a nation without humility remains a loser! No trophy, only heels on heads. #MohsinNaqvi,” Yousuf wrote on X (formerly Twitter).The latest incident mirrors what happened after last year’s men’s Asia Cup. India refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The men’s tournament was also marred by heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with Naqvi accused of fueling the situation through anti-India statements on social media.The Indian women’s team has maintained a similar stance this year. Head coach Amol Muzumdar later said that the BCCI had decided not to accept the trophy from Naqvi and that the players were simply following the board’s position.A day later, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that India’s position was communicated to Naqvi long before the final, but the ACC president still attended the presentation ceremony.Saikia and BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla were present at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final.When the delayed presentation finally began, only second place Sri Lanka was picking up medals. Naqvi handed over control at second to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu.After Athapaththu finished her on-air interview, the presentation proceedings ended, leaving India without a trophy despite an overall victory in the final.