The geopolitical tension between India and Pakistan was at the epicenter during the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2025. India and Pakistan met thrice and on all occasions, which the Men In Blue won, the tension were vivid.
The clashes began with Suryakumar Yadav and Co. first refusing to engage in any customary rituals and Pakistan responded to it by taking an equally strong stance. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) first demanded the ouster of match referee Andy Pycroft, which was rejected by the ICC. They then induced an hour delay in their crucial group stage encounter against UAE, which was after they threatened to pullout from the event.
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The antics by Pakistan didn't stop here as things got uglier with players passing provocative gesture towards the Indian fans in reference to Operation Sindoor. And after all this was done, the Indian team refused to collect the winners trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Apart from his post at ACC, Naqvi is also the head of PCB and the interior minister of Pakistan. He also expressed strong anti-India sentiments through social media posts while the continental event was underway.
Taking note of the turn of event and commenting on India's stance towards Naqvi, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali backed the PCB head and disgraced Suryakumar and Co. by calling their action "third-rate".
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"They are the No. 1-ranked team, but their actions are third-rate. Mohsin Naqvi will present the trophy, if they refuse to accept, they would be disgraced in the eyes of the world. The trophy should not be handed over," Ali told Pakistan's Ary News TV.
"You're the No.1 team, you played well and won, but what is this stubbornness? Mohsin Naqvi is the head of the Asian Cricket Council. Suppose it had been an ICC event, and Pakistan refused to accept the trophy from Jay Shah, Pakistan would have been wrong there," he added.
