'India will become joke...': Former wicketkeeper defends Mohsin Naqvi, slams Suryakumar and Co. of 'cheap behaviour'

Former wicketkeeper defends Naqvi, slams Suryakumar and Co. of 'cheap behaviour' (BCCI/AP Photos)

Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal made an urgent plea to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stating that it should take a firm stand and decline to play against India in the forthcoming multi-nation events. His strong suggestion comes after India refused to collect the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the head of PCB and is the country's interior minister.

Naqvi had expressed anti-Indian views on social media during the course of the tournament. Despite being the ACC chief he publicly supported Pakistan's interests, even demanding the ouster of match referee Andy Pycroft from the tournament after the handshake row.

The heightened tension between India and Pakistan saw the post-match presentation ceremony get delayed by over 45 minutes. Following the turn of events, there was a huge controversy in Pakistan cricket circles, with reactions coming in thick and fast.

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“Pakistan board should immediately say that ‘we should never play against India’. Let’s see what action ICC takes. What else evidence do you need after this? But the BCCI person is leading the ICC – how will he (Jay Shah) take any action? The other boards have to come together, say we can’t see this in cricket. Sport is not played at anyone’s home. If others don’t play them, then no money is going to come,” Akmal told ARY News.

“The earlier these things can be controlled, the better for everybody. A neutral body has to be formed without Pakistan and India, make a committee of Australians, South Africans, and New Zealanders and let them decide on what action to be taken about all that has happened in this tournament,” he added.

In addition, Akmal charged that India had displayed "cheap behaviour" throughout the Asia Cup 2025.

India had refused to shake hands with the Pakistan players and support staff during the group stage match, which was the first meeting between the two nations after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Super Four clash was a fiercely charged encounter, with Pakistan pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf relentlessly sledging Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Sahibzada Farhan marked his half-century with a dramatic gun celebration, resembling firing shots in the air.

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But according to Akmal, Pakistan did nothing wrong and India was the one who crossed all limits. "This cheap harkatein (behaviour) we keep seeing from India. We have seen in this tournament that they have done as much damage to cricket as they could. PCB and ACC president took the right stand – take the trophy or not, it will be given by the president only. India will become the joke of the cricketing world," said Akmal.