A meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) took place on Tuesday amid a trophy controversy. During the meeting, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla strongly criticized ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi. Shukla rebuked Naqvi, compelling him to apologize and agree to send the trophy.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi expressed his displeasure, stating that Indian players had behaved poorly towards him. He mentioned he was left standing with the trophy, comparing it to a cartoon, while the players were occupied with their phones and video games. He felt they lacked the courtesy to accept the trophy when he offered it. Naqvi stated he would not be giving away the trophy, suggesting that the Indian captain should come to Dubai to collect it.
Rajiv Shukla immediately countered, questioning how Naqvi could expect Indian players to accept the trophy from him, given his position as ACC Chairman, PCB Chairman, and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Shukla referenced Naqvi’s controversial social media posts, including those about the downing of football team planes, and criticized the mixing of cricket and politics.
Shukla further explained that Naqvi should have communicated with the Indian board or its officials beforehand. Shukla highlighted the fact that the Indian captain was in Mumbai and would not travel to Dubai, especially after he had already stated the players would not accept the trophy from Naqvi. Shukla suggested the trophy be sent to the ACC or ICC, from where India would collect it.
After hearing the criticism, Naqvi conceded that Shukla was right and apologized for the incident. He agreed to send the trophy to the ICC, from where India could collect it. Shukla thanked Naqvi, expressing that it would have been better if this action was taken earlier.
The controversy arose after India won the Asia Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday. The Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also a minister in the Pakistani government and the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. The trophy was reportedly kept at the ACC office and, following Naqvi’s agreement, is expected to reach India soon.