Former cricketer and renowned commentator for the Indian team, Akash Chopra, expressed his dissatisfaction with Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and chairman of the ACC. Chopra compared Naqvi to a disgruntled relative (fufaji) at Indian weddings who gets offended for no reason.
On his YouTube channel, Akash Chopra stated that Mohsin Naqvi's absence would not stop the work at the wedding. He noted that Naqvi knew India's position well but still came to the stadium with pride due to his egoism. Chopra suggested it would have been better if they had declined to participate in the Asia Cup final, as his presence or absence would not harm anyone.
Akash also expressed concern that such childish antics would only worsen relations between the two countries rather than improve them. He emphasized that currently, Naqvi's 'trophy drama' is being discussed more than India's major victory.
For his part, BCCI secretary Devdutt Saykiya publicly commented on the entire dispute. He explained that the decision was made considering the feelings of the nation's people and respect for the military. It was stated that the Indian team cannot accept a trophy from an official involved in anti-Indian activities.
Saykiya reminded of last year's situation: in 2025, when the Indian men's team won the Asia Cup, Pakistan did not send the trophy to India. He questioned how the Indian women's team can participate in any official ceremonies with them if they have held the trophy for a year and a half.
BCCI proposed a solution
BCCI also offered a simple way to avoid this conflict. They proposed that instead of Mohsin Naqvi, the deputy chairman of the ACC present the trophy, thereby maintaining respect for sports and athletes. However, Naqvi, like the offended relative, rejected this offer.
