Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has issued a forceful denial of reports in Indian media suggesting he apologized to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the Asia Cup trophy presentation controversy.
The PCB chief dismissed the claims as deliberate misinformation designed to mislead the Indian public.
“This fabricated nonsense is nothing but cheap propaganda, aimed only at misleading their own people,” Naqvi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Categorical Denial
Naqvi made his position unequivocally clear: “I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI nor will I ever do so.”
The ACC chairman also criticized what he described as India’s continued politicization of cricket. “Unfortunately, India continues to drag politics into cricket, damaging the very spirit of the game,” he stated.
Trophy Remains Available
Addressing the actual trophy situation, Naqvi clarified his readiness to present the championship silverware. “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,” he said.
Background to the Controversy
The dispute stems from incidents during the Asia Cup involving the Indian team, including players declining handshakes and refusing to accept the trophy from Naqvi.
During an ACC meeting in Dubai on Tuesday, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla repeatedly requested the trophy be handed over. Naqvi maintained that the matter wasn’t on the meeting agenda and insisted the Indian captain should collect it personally from the ACC office.
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, BCCI officials attending virtually reacted negatively to Naqvi’s position, requesting instead that the trophy be transferred to ICC headquarters. Other ACC members attempted to mediate, but the BCCI delegation reportedly disconnected from the virtual meeting.
No final decision has been reached regarding the trophy’s transfer.
