Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the country’s Interior Minister and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is set to receive the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal. The award recognises his “principled and courageous stance” during the recent Asia Cup trophy handover controversy with India. The incident made headlines worldwide after Indian players declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi following the final match.
Mohsin Naqvi Honoured for Asia Cup Stand
Advocate Ghulam Abbas Jamal, President of the Sindh and Karachi Basketball Associations, announced that Naqvi’s actions had “restored national pride” amid rising political and sporting tensions with India, according to Pakistan’s The Nation.
The award committee said it appreciated Naqvi’s decision to maintain dignity during a sensitive situation.
Naqvi gained attention internationally during the Asia Cup final when Indian players refused to accept the trophy from him. Many interpreted the move as a political snub. In response, Naqvi retained the trophy and later stated on social media that the Indian team was “welcome” to collect it from the ACC headquarters if they truly want it.”
“I did nothing wrong, and I did not — and will not — apologise to the BCCI,” Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter), following reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India had taken offence at the presentation.
Special Committee to Oversee Award Ceremony
A special committee has been formed to organise the award event. Sindh Basketball Association Chairman Khalid Jameel Shamsi will lead it, with Director of Sports, Commissioner Karachi, Ghulam Muhammad Khan, serving as secretary.
“This is not just about cricket,” said Ghulam Abbas Jamal. “This is about dignity, sovereignty, and the refusal to bend under pressure.”
Political Tensions Mark the Asia Cup Final
The Asia Cup final was played amid political tensions between India and Pakistan. India enforced a strict “no handshake” policy with Pakistani players. The controversy peaked during the final, which India won but chose not to accept the trophy from Naqvi.
The BCCI has since raised the matter at the ACC’s annual meeting. It is expected to escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in its next session in November.
The incident took place against the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. India carried out military strikes under “Operation Sindoor” targeting alleged militant camps across the border, adding a political undertone to the cricketing dispute.
